tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83327725281671653512024-03-05T17:27:15.523-08:00The New York Green AdvocatePlease note that this blog has been redesigned and moved to
www.NewYorkGreenAdvocate.com.
Please go to the new site to see current postings and news. Thanks for following.
Paul McGinnisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10597274577419581029noreply@blogger.comBlogger115125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8332772528167165351.post-2395924324478292512014-04-13T07:08:00.002-07:002014-04-14T15:09:14.220-07:00This Blog Has Been Reincarnated at NewYorkGreenAdvocate.com<h3>
<span style="color: red;"><a href="http://www.newyorkgreenadvocate.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Please Click Here to go to New York Green Advocate to see my new web site and blog</span></a></span></h3>
Paul McGinnisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10597274577419581029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8332772528167165351.post-63295769364791629792014-02-19T05:50:00.008-08:002014-02-19T06:08:05.974-08:00Green Drinks NYC SPARK Speaker Series: Fukusima, Indian Point and the Future of Energy, Tuesday February 25th at The Moderns!<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: green;"><b>
</b></span></span></span><br />
<div style="color: #4971e9;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="color: black;"></span></b></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #4971e9;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="color: black;"><i></i></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: green;"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001U1WVlfHs4pPfhiyqANH9r-zPqY8Tkw40a5hYqHZmGJY5rVU-ksjecUaF_jASzxqEYOqmjAXOtYkMjhivZDnEAUQ6H5d0am2WZynOWOurhcP2XZl9tWubRdXYfrQeQTlPqegNVoZnPl41rtuIQQbW6cm4tpxc6nTxsbLWVKeOIVjtCSEKPpvzfg==&c=9Kd6-r32igb8VbnVkUOhi6lsSt6VdnuEg47xoKKSHvGGLCCBs0uLBg==&ch=qYaZYzEeaZQb2INvbHwADU5vW49phq6Iz7D9qTGPp6UPVCoQbVte3g==" shape="rect" style="color: #cccc6c; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">Green Drinks NYC, The Moderns and</span> <span style="color: black;">Paul E McGinniss</span></a>
invite you to a lively evening at our SPARK SPEAKER SERIES with a
focus on Japan's Fukushima Reactor disaster and New York's Indian Point
Nuclear Reactor and how to manifest a green energy future.</span></span></span></span></b></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #4971e9;">
</div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"></span></span><br />
<div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b><span style="color: blue;">"Three Years After Fukushima: Lessons Learned from the Disaster and The Future of Indian Point"</span></b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></i>featuring Ed Lyman from Union of Concerned Scientists, Philip Musegaas from Riverkeeper and journalist Susan Q. Stranahan. </span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div style="color: #4c4c4c;">
<div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjexFAdmdccMEkwE3VuJ92LKMoAU7eepGjvvZnz0YId24UqJgNIRcFPTs91t0GFVDSBSYvb7QoIQ_HDuVuInwGx6i9OFleVr2DI-7Xrbnf8Az36qmqA7LaemvlL5P_aDaRo6LQxXGAqNYA/s1600/SPARK+NYC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjexFAdmdccMEkwE3VuJ92LKMoAU7eepGjvvZnz0YId24UqJgNIRcFPTs91t0GFVDSBSYvb7QoIQ_HDuVuInwGx6i9OFleVr2DI-7Xrbnf8Az36qmqA7LaemvlL5P_aDaRo6LQxXGAqNYA/s1600/SPARK+NYC.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="color: #a6a22d; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" style="color: #a6a22d; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><b> </b><img align="left" border="0" src="http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs155/1101495371543/img/775.jpg" height="32" hspace="5" name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.775" vspace="5" width="32" /> <a href="http://www.eventbrite.com/e/spark-speaker-series-february-25-2014-tickets-6610778015" shape="rect" style="color: #75cf0b; font-size: 22pt; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">REGISTER HERE</a><a href="http://www.eventbrite.com/e/spark-speaker-series-february-25-2014-tickets-6610778015" target="_blank"> </a></span></span></div>
</div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">
</span></span>
<span style="color: green;">
</span><br />
<div>
<div style="color: #4c4c4c; font-size: 11pt;">
<br />
<div>
<br />
<div>
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The nuclear disaster at Fukushima continues to unfold nearly
three years after that fateful day, March 11, 2011. The lives and
livelihoods of tens of thousands of Japanese have been irreparably
harmed with devastating human, economic and environmental consequences.
Here in the United States, what lessons have we heeded from this
disaster? What are U.S. regulators doing to better protect the hundreds
of millions of Americans who live near one of the nation's 100 operating
nuclear reactors, including the Indian Point nuclear plant, 38 miles
north of New York City? What are some of the known risks at the Indian
Point plant and what is being done to address them? </span></span></span>
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Edwin Lyman is a, nationally recognized nuclear
power safety expert from the Union of Concerned Scientists and the
author (with Dave Lochbaum and Susan Q. Stranahan) of the Feb, 2014
book, Fukushima: The Story of a Nuclear Disaster. He will be joined by Philip Musegaas,
Hudson River Program Director for Riverkeeper, New York's leading
clean water advocacy group. Riverkeeper has a long history of work on
Indian Point safety and environmental issues, including its current
active legal challenge to Indian Point's re-licensing by the Nuclear
Regulatory Commission (NRC). Also joining Edwin and Philip will be journalist Susan Q. Stranahan.</span></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.eventbrite.com/e/spark-speaker-series-february-25-2014-tickets-6610778015" target="_blank">For Details and Info Please Click Here</a></span></span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: green;"></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><br />Paul McGinnisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10597274577419581029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8332772528167165351.post-72842426289904521772013-12-26T05:05:00.000-08:002013-12-26T05:18:47.348-08:00Take a Hit of the Catskill Mountains: Must-See Doc Film, "To be Forever Wild", Gets You High on Nature <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">"To be Forever Wild" -- A Captivating, Poetic Film about the Castskill Mountains Takes You on a Trip You Will Want to Go on For Real </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">by Paul E McGinniss</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUcQvwIs4Sk9eN3oMSxqBNKKPQE4Id42wbAuPWXqWlr4PXLUHexeiNTwem5xP5AYT0Hb26_QI-B5DNDF6Wsf8WGFbHVwMhetDoUr2HJZxNtkMcF5zhkr_O_InUwe44TqMDUUyIkYi7SjQ/s1600/ToBeForeverWild_Image1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUcQvwIs4Sk9eN3oMSxqBNKKPQE4Id42wbAuPWXqWlr4PXLUHexeiNTwem5xP5AYT0Hb26_QI-B5DNDF6Wsf8WGFbHVwMhetDoUr2HJZxNtkMcF5zhkr_O_InUwe44TqMDUUyIkYi7SjQ/s320/ToBeForeverWild_Image1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It's easy to give heartfelt kudos to a documentary film that loves its subject so much, especially when the film causes the entire audience to get a contact high while also falling in love with the subject. Such is the case with the intoxicating, cinematic love story about the Castkill Mountains of New York, "To be Forever Wild", which celebrates the astounding natural geography and the area's passionate, diverse
populace. It may come as a surprise that the region retains a rugged and remote edge despite being only 2.5 hours in an EV plug-in hybrid from NYC.</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiriqJnpV-_AflNvVXeP7HDNdqTeDRChrtUK8PaVgDavrta2CQnbmPzXl0apOrnnnUxDsiilQgH6gk_YUSru9mB_7my1O4F5SM9ThgI9h9v-HVa3Fck5KJt2mhp05m7DddxzwfpsxaQUqM/s1600/ToBeForeverWild_Still4(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiriqJnpV-_AflNvVXeP7HDNdqTeDRChrtUK8PaVgDavrta2CQnbmPzXl0apOrnnnUxDsiilQgH6gk_YUSru9mB_7my1O4F5SM9ThgI9h9v-HVa3Fck5KJt2mhp05m7DddxzwfpsxaQUqM/s320/ToBeForeverWild_Still4(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>A magical shot of one of the many natural gems found within the Catskill Park Preserve.</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The director of "To be Forever Wild" is charismatic David Becker, a young filmmaker who is a modern day John Burroughs meets Jack Kerouac. He is a creative adventurer who seems to have tapped into the beat - the pulse of the
Catskills and the Hudson Valley of New York. At the 2013 Woodstock Film Festival, where the film-in-progress was first screened publicly, its cheery director and film crew received rousing applause. The celebratory energy of the room was palpable.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Judging by the audience reaction, David is clearly well liked in
Woodstock. It is no surprise as his film revels in the very region where it was shot. His raw energy is as
infectious as the landscape that has long inspired its inhabitants.</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgerF4UhBhaJk7Nz8GNKiRFd-XLxrfcvRcD-T4R7eiWM_t8MEtb1blv5aZQobh1kJlyh0nBVADpGW7Y9QMi1j5fErkRMBvnVcPDNyWsBoRXTGKo3SnB6cqPF-Qp5eSnONFfKEj-CUS5g8c/s1600/20131003_144042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgerF4UhBhaJk7Nz8GNKiRFd-XLxrfcvRcD-T4R7eiWM_t8MEtb1blv5aZQobh1kJlyh0nBVADpGW7Y9QMi1j5fErkRMBvnVcPDNyWsBoRXTGKo3SnB6cqPF-Qp5eSnONFfKEj-CUS5g8c/s320/20131003_144042.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>David Becker beams following a screening of "To be Forever Wild" at the 2013 "Woodstock Film Festival."</i> <br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It makes perfect sense that this locally-grown film premiered at the Woodstock Film festival. Known as the "Colony of the Arts", Woodstock, NY is located at the heart of the Catskill Region and David Becker teaches media arts at The Woodstock Day School. The surrounding Catskill Park is also one of the nation's first nature conservation areas. Much of the native wildness of this area still exists once you get off road and into the approximate 300,000 acres of preserved land. (And, this is exclusive of the hundreds of thousands of acres which are in private hands and undeveloped.)</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSbuiuhpESf4rb99bbBHV27sVoDbXakp81OsrPDYOarTdmgecmUmD2ptnwOAJ1tLM9Mkh0LZt_5Qc3mBzM5Ufje4TLMHbJqXSHToGG1pvYf5aEzdrzrfHk2F-JzKkTsrrMp8LxZ8V48bg/s1600/TBFW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSbuiuhpESf4rb99bbBHV27sVoDbXakp81OsrPDYOarTdmgecmUmD2ptnwOAJ1tLM9Mkh0LZt_5Qc3mBzM5Ufje4TLMHbJqXSHToGG1pvYf5aEzdrzrfHk2F-JzKkTsrrMp8LxZ8V48bg/s320/TBFW.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<i>Parts of the Catskill Park still seem like a movie from a lost world.</i><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">"To be Forever Wild" was shot guerrilla style utilizing a
dozen plus crew of thoughtful, creative souls of all stripes (including
filmmakers, musicians, artists, writers) who assembled at a storybook locale called Platte Cove in a remote cabin once occupied by Jack London. From this base they explored and captured the wild Catskills terrain and the people
living in the region on film. </span></span> <br />
<img height="269" src="http://www.sundance.org/images/blog/inline/inline-foreverWild-2.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<i>David Becker (front left) sitting with the crew for "To be Forever Wild" at Platte Cove in the Catskill Mountains.</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The doc captures an astounding array of images of the Catskills which seamlessly weaves the natural landscape together with the colorful characters who live in the region. One of those characters featured prominently in the film is Ellen Kalish who works at a Wildlife Rehabilitation Center known as Ravensbeard. The
film sequences of her interacting with rescued birds were beautifully surreal. One of the more memorable, poignant moments is a shot of Ellen releasing a bird which brings on bittersweet tears as the bird flies away, into the wild.</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdWNaAQxBzQjUPCq12gqJo5Cn4lEgrLUufLrsAzLvqz3z0ezTFonB0nR1TVuUpdNUHhL7Wcff3pYkY9t2b2JF89fKgd85nHiuL0CYCstD-1f1twn5M-J4cRz1hnhPUKoTYltp0JTHhKsw/s1600/ToBeForeverWild_Still2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdWNaAQxBzQjUPCq12gqJo5Cn4lEgrLUufLrsAzLvqz3z0ezTFonB0nR1TVuUpdNUHhL7Wcff3pYkY9t2b2JF89fKgd85nHiuL0CYCstD-1f1twn5M-J4cRz1hnhPUKoTYltp0JTHhKsw/s400/ToBeForeverWild_Still2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i>Ellen Kalish with an owl at Ravensbead Wildlife Center in Woodstock, NY.</i><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Before seeing the film, I met long time Woodstock Film Festival attendee, two time Academy Award Winning filmmaker, Barbara Kopple, at the local Colony Cafe. I discovered that Ms. Kopple brought David to the Catskills for the first time six years ago. David was fortunate to have the chance to work and learn from veteran Barbara Kopple. He recently coordinated the restoration and DVD release of Barbara Kopple’s
landmark documentary, "Harlan County USA." He also collaborated with Ms.
Kopple on several nonfiction projects including "Dixie Chicks: Shut Up and Sing."</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">After seeing the film, I asked Barbara what she thought about David's work and she said: </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">"
'To be
Forever Wild' is a film that explores how nature rejuvenates and inspires,
telling the story of hikers, fly-fishers, artists --- all discovering the power
of nature in their own way. These experiences put our modern life in
perspective, eliciting that those who interact with nature become its biggest
defenders."</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPCJ5kKO9RHysS1Gn3V7W400TDvKb1lAfPfpiBqxMFF-V5Hs8VicFcXXVvyxjmZg_6EDIyriSDfSgrEo8wDEGKHPfInl0ZfaEwpFZmB5i4xxm17HZSRLs7ohj8ReXLgsLyp5Uu9Ymiydw/s1600/ToBeForeverWild_Still3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPCJ5kKO9RHysS1Gn3V7W400TDvKb1lAfPfpiBqxMFF-V5Hs8VicFcXXVvyxjmZg_6EDIyriSDfSgrEo8wDEGKHPfInl0ZfaEwpFZmB5i4xxm17HZSRLs7ohj8ReXLgsLyp5Uu9Ymiydw/s400/ToBeForeverWild_Still3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>A Young Boy living in the Catskill Region who literally has "climbed every mountain" in the region and inspires us as we watch him hike one of the 34 High Peaks of the Catskill Mountain range. </i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">By
the end of inhaling this beautifully shot film, if you have not been to
the Catskills, you will want to zip line there and experience the astounding
natural landscape and connect with some of the interesting personalities captured
in the film.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I suppose it is somewhat ironic that this film is called "To be Forever Wild" as surely watching it increases desire to go to the Catskills and visit. The more people who see this film, the more people will want to go to these mountains, just a short drive from New York. And, indeed, the
more people that come, the less (naturally) wild it could become. </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Trailer for " height="225" src="http://bcdownload.gannett.edgesuite.net/poughkeepsie/41819768001/201310/799/41819768001_2714741191001_vs-524c5cc0e4b0921783fd6940-1592194044001.jpg?pubId=41819768001" width="400" /></span></div>
<i> One of many swimming holes enjoyed by the crew of "To be Forever Wild."</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">But, with pro-active communities and eco-conscious, engaged citizens, teachers and filmmakers like David Becker and his crew, there is much reason to hope that the rugged lands just north and west of the great metropolis of New York City will stay wild and remain forever in conservation. </span></span><br />
<br />
<div id="r1PostCPBlock" style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; left: -99999px; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">“Our
research suggests to rely less on end-of-world scenarios and to
emphasize instead the various ways in which our country – and our planet
– has a rich and long history that deserves to be preserved,” says
Hershfield. “By highlighting the shadow of the past, we may actually
help illuminate the path to an environmentally sustainable future.”</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Read more at <a href="http://scienceblog.com/68323/to-boost-concern-for-the-environment-emphasize-a-long-future-not-impending-doom/#FvlLFitBA00WKtE1.99" style="color: #003399;">http://scienceblog.com/68323/to-boost-concern-for-the-environment-emphasize-a-long-future-not-impending-doom/#FvlLFitBA00WKtE1.99</a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">What's great about "To be Forever Wild" is that the film embodies this point of protecting the environment, but does not hammer you over the head with a save-the-environment message a la Occupy or 350.org style. But I dare say, unassuming documentary films like this one will inspire as many people to become environmentalists as more hard hitting films like "The Big Fix", about the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill, or the disturbing film, "Chasing Ice", about melting ice caps. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Don't get me wrong. These environmental films are terribly important. "<a href="http://ecowatch.com/2011/11/13/bp-oil-spill-documentary-tell-all/" target="_blank">The Big Fix</a>" is a must see film. "<a href="http://ecowatch.com/2012/10/16/chasing-ice-ground-zero/" target="_blank">Chasing Ice</a>" is one of my all time favorite documentary films. It blew me away when I saw it at the 2012 Woodstock Film Festival. But, small films like "To be Forever Wild" which capture the joy of engaging with nature can inspire and motivate environmental action in a more visceral way.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As I was finishing this post, I read an article on Science Blog entitled
"To Boost Concern for the Environment, Emphasize a Long Future, Not Impending Doom." New York University researcher, Hal Hershfield, was
quoted: "Our research suggests to rely less on end of world scenarios and
to emphasize instead the various ways in which our country and our
planet has a rich and long history that deserves to be preserved."</span></span><br />
<br />
<div id="r1PostCPBlock" style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; left: -99999px; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our
research suggests to rely less on end-of-world scenarios and to
emphasize instead the various ways in which our country – and our planet
– has a rich and long history that deserves to be preserved,” says
Hershfield. “By highlighting the shadow of the past, we may actually
help illuminate the path to an environmentally sustainable future.”</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Read more at <a href="http://scienceblog.com/68323/to-boost-concern-for-the-environment-emphasize-a-long-future-not-impending-doom/#FvlLFitBA00WKtE1.99" style="color: #003399;">http://scienceblog.com/68323/to-boost-concern-for-the-environment-emphasize-a-long-future-not-impending-doom/#FvlLFitBA00WKtE1.99</a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Barbara Kopple speaks of the importance of truly connecting with nature while maintaining a positive balance as we do it: "The most wonderful part of the film for me was seeing Director
David Becker and his crew connecting with nature, comically braving the
zipline, lugging equipment mountainside, and boldly treading new territory. This
personal thread harmonizes everyone to the great outdoors and challenges us to brave
the wild with a renewed respect."</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcsLyuc7pt32KpduTgPilD3nlx2thGXE5WXd20nL7nE_j_GaISJdeKJr7mDI0SF1PukhW9YZhOMn0Urh8mpqvRo4a4om7GSrnibOMQe-zG3w5aGC0zoaqtWVjyV6WuIQqi7QC-OatfMBk/s1600/ToBeForeverWild_Still1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcsLyuc7pt32KpduTgPilD3nlx2thGXE5WXd20nL7nE_j_GaISJdeKJr7mDI0SF1PukhW9YZhOMn0Urh8mpqvRo4a4om7GSrnibOMQe-zG3w5aGC0zoaqtWVjyV6WuIQqi7QC-OatfMBk/s320/ToBeForeverWild_Still1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Check out the trailer for "To be Forever Wild" below. If watching it doesn't make you want to turn off the computer or device you are reading this on and go out and find some nature, you should clearly consider some digital rehab.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hey, Vimeo is great! But a real life vista of uninterrupted wild, nature, a simple sunset or some water rushing down a hill, or better yet, a swimming hole carved into a prehistoric rock ledge helps relieve the stress and frantic energy caused by manic modernity while lightening and uplifting the soul.</span></span><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/27989740" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe> <br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/27989740">To Be Forever Wild - Trailer</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/dbecker">David Becker</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Copyright 2013 Paul E McGinniss</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="color: black; font-family: arial,helvetica; font-size: 10pt;">
<div id="AOLMsgPart_1_751f07e9-0969-4796-8d40-72c458a58db1">
<div style="color: black; font-family: arial,helvetica; font-size: 10pt;">
<div id="AOLMsgPart_1_5ec65140-9572-452c-8f8e-1fa6f961fca1">
<div style="color: black; font-family: arial,helvetica; font-size: 10pt;">
<div id="AOLMsgPart_1_9cadecbf-5af5-4705-a548-051d46049660">
<div style="color: black; font-family: arial,helvetica; font-size: 10pt;">
<div id="AOLMsgPart_1_a1d6b0f9-2fdc-43ed-9aa7-13eadf16b1a9">
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><table border="0" cellspacing="3" style="width: 465px;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="contentgray2"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="contentgray"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="contentgray"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">
</span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Paul McGinnisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10597274577419581029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8332772528167165351.post-42506413063765752582013-11-12T09:50:00.003-08:002013-11-30T05:16:47.642-08:00Read Beyond Oil NYC's: Rob Hopkins Introduces New Yorkers to the Transition Movement <span style="font-size: large;">Hello there. I have been so busy working on new green building and renovation projects north of NYC in the Hudson Valley that I have scaled back posting. I will be reporting on some of our projects at some point in the near future, including the renovation of a house in Woodstock, NY that we are project managing. It will have an 8 kw Sun Power solar PV array and a solar thermal heating system installed under a stone patio that will heat a spectacular pool to, well, live (not die) for. (The solar thermal heating system will offset a propane fueled pool heater.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">But, in lieu of eco-musings or news on my end, my good friend Dan Miner from <a href="http://beyondoilnyc.blogspot.com/2013/11/rob-hopkinsintroduces-new-yorkers-to.html" target="_blank">Beyond Oil NYC just sent me a must-read blog post </a>explaining how "The Transition movement blends climate change
response and local economic development". He wrote this excellent article after meeting Transition Town Man Rob Hopkins in NYC.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVELJt8NHUkF_YHjAMzlZWbXxeMtnFd9JZXfTSP35okv7uP6HZh32Up18Mez-6O71BW_NpghWa3RT_Z8Hc_ga3XEL4X57mu1f9I_c469twQnKWq3q1AssMwFZFMIKKaUotHRQhRZghJww/s1600/Rob-Hopkins-with-Dan-NYC-10-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVELJt8NHUkF_YHjAMzlZWbXxeMtnFd9JZXfTSP35okv7uP6HZh32Up18Mez-6O71BW_NpghWa3RT_Z8Hc_ga3XEL4X57mu1f9I_c469twQnKWq3q1AssMwFZFMIKKaUotHRQhRZghJww/s320/Rob-Hopkins-with-Dan-NYC-10-13.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Dan Miner, Rob Hopkins <span style="color: windowtext;">and</span> John
Bell, NYC</i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I previously wrote a well-received piece about Transition Towns called <a href="http://www.chronogram.com/hudsonvalley/grow-your-own-community/Content?oid=2131686" target="_blank">Grow Your Own Community</a> in Chronogram magazine. I also SKYPED with Rob Hopkins a few years back for an interview, but unfortunately I could not make it to meet him face-to-face in NYC during his recent visit. So, thank you Dan Miner for being my tele-presence and summing up so eloquently and thoughtfully all that Transition is.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">As an aside, I wanted to mention that I first met Dan five or so years ago at the North East Sustainable Energy Association event that takes place every year in Boston. We both attended a fantastic talk on resiliency by Alex Wilson. Among other things, Alex is founder of BuildingGreen, Inc and the <a href="http://www.resilientdesign.org/" target="_blank">Resilient Design Institute</a>. I had the pleasure of hosting a SPARK event in Manhattan entitled “Resilient Design: The New Imperative” with Alex last year just after Super Storm Sandy with my wondeful collaborators, the inspirational Green Drinks NYC and The Moderns. Shout out to Alex, Green Drinks NYC, The Moderns and Dan Miner.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://beyondoilnyc.blogspot.com/2013/11/rob-hopkinsintroduces-new-yorkers-to.html" target="_blank"><br /></a></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://beyondoilnyc.blogspot.com/2013/11/rob-hopkinsintroduces-new-yorkers-to.html" target="_blank">Check out Beyond Oil NYC's : Rob Hopkins Introduces New Yorkers to the Transition Movement</a></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Paul McGinnisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10597274577419581029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8332772528167165351.post-636589989564568622013-10-16T04:46:00.001-07:002013-11-30T05:19:13.185-08:00SPARK in NYC with Legendary Filmmaker, Writer, Adventurer, Storyteller Jon Bowermaster<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Join Green Drinks NYC, The Moderns and Paul E McGinniss on the evening of Tuesday, October 22nd for the next installment of the <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/event/6611646613" target="_blank">SPARK</a> speaker series. This upcoming SPARK is entitled </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><b>"Exploration 2.0: Adventure for Adventure Sake R.I.P." </b></span>and features National Geographic Explorer and environmental advocate <a href="http://www.jonbowermaster.com/" target="_blank">Jon Bowermaster.</a></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnJCWEgt6gVDDLoO63kthYBezZVCSXr5KSBeaavVtk_n9i5W749lYmFgf6WPVPxh01E7LSnXDyPAgjqRZkDi2GzU9DozIsqwlm2LDiVl9RfWaFXD2tVQH3h0nMtE5GnMX0hUYJlxs7Uss/s1600/Jon+Bowermaster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnJCWEgt6gVDDLoO63kthYBezZVCSXr5KSBeaavVtk_n9i5W749lYmFgf6WPVPxh01E7LSnXDyPAgjqRZkDi2GzU9DozIsqwlm2LDiVl9RfWaFXD2tVQH3h0nMtE5GnMX0hUYJlxs7Uss/s400/Jon+Bowermaster.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Jon Bowermaster on one of his many adventures </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jon Bowermaster's longtime
relationship with National Geographic has afforded him the opportunity
to organize expeditions around the world, literally, on a kayak. He has
witnessed firsthand the impact of climate change, over-fishing and
plastic pollution. A big part of Jon's motivation for these treks
is to use adventure as a trigger to enlighten audiences and share his
stories to inspire people to make positive change. </span> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"> </span><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">Come hear Jon share his stories of adventure and learn how he utilizes positivity, passion, inspiration and multi-media storytelling to relate his exciting journeys to not only entertain and uplift, but also to shine light on important environmental issues facing our world. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="color: #0984f5;">Wine and snacks for SPARK are provided by <a href="http://www.greensquaretavern.com/">Green Square Tavern.</a> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/event/6611646613" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></a></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/event/6611646613" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Click here for details and to reserve a ticket</span>. </a></span><br />
<br />Paul McGinnisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10597274577419581029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8332772528167165351.post-40768223213645368172013-09-10T14:00:00.000-07:002013-09-10T14:00:04.152-07:00Sustainability Starts in the Heart: A Conversation with Life Coach Nancy Jack<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">by Paul E McGinniss</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN5dTb0cVfha6_Ix1Tj_Yd3Izaa2GBRGquSQotX6tak-DyEXsmCnN6OtLT4pK-qjC4pdUfDSuL21F2Z2ZFLJHOxjGsIqX6KKk0M1jG5o-hC5k_boAL3iUJEnudE0S55FhxoAAWwdC27k0/s1600/Nancy+Jack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN5dTb0cVfha6_Ix1Tj_Yd3Izaa2GBRGquSQotX6tak-DyEXsmCnN6OtLT4pK-qjC4pdUfDSuL21F2Z2ZFLJHOxjGsIqX6KKk0M1jG5o-hC5k_boAL3iUJEnudE0S55FhxoAAWwdC27k0/s320/Nancy+Jack.jpg" width="275" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><i>Life Coach Nancy Jack, sailing through New York Harbor, July, 2013</i></b></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span>
<br />
<div id="AOLMsgPart_1_010e878e-7058-4a4d-bb58-1798f4b8f949">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">In July, I had the pleasure of traveling into NYC with my friend and neighbor, Life Coach Nancy Jack, to host a <a href="http://www.thenewyorkgreenadvocate.com/2013/07/green-drinks-nyc-spark-speaker-series.html" target="_blank">SPARK</a> with </span></span>Integrative
medicine pioneer, <span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.sunraven.org/" target="_blank">Michael Finkelstein, M.D.</a> Michael is the author of "77 Questions for Skillful Living: A New Path to Extraordinary Health." I highly recommend this book which teaches the skills to enable us to lead a more mindful, happy and healthy life. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">As Nancy and I drove into NYC, we discussed Dr Finkelstein's book, and, in particular, how there is a connection between our inner health and well being and the health and well being of the world at large. Inspired by Michael Finkelstein and his book of insightful questions, we began our journey by me asking Nancy a question: "<span class="Apple-style-span">Do you think we have been cut off from nature?" </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixtcwjTP_DnbcNzw3CKOROElwPWKdIgFhxoYv_PDiybOgYk8UeBKbI4ktabg0ouG9NXa26VFnc5LdpqOL4gDhlrw8UF-GzUFynNJAPAiGoEqPVQGivo7ACmaH4F9YHh_4eFTrexgHRFuM/s1600/spark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixtcwjTP_DnbcNzw3CKOROElwPWKdIgFhxoYv_PDiybOgYk8UeBKbI4ktabg0ouG9NXa26VFnc5LdpqOL4gDhlrw8UF-GzUFynNJAPAiGoEqPVQGivo7ACmaH4F9YHh_4eFTrexgHRFuM/s320/spark.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><i>Dr. Michael Finkelstein (left) with Margaret Lydecker, Founder of Green Drinks NYC, at a recent</i><i> SPARK event in NYC.</i></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">Nancy's immediate and enthusiastic response was:</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"> "Yes! Of course I do! Even if you go out into the country or woods or parks, do you ever see children learning about and experiencing </span><span class="Apple-style-span">nature? Learning about the trees...the wildlife...the dirt...the insects? No! You rarely see any interaction of young people with nature unless</span><span class="Apple-style-span"> they live on a farm or live with a family that pays a special interest to experiencing</span><span class="Apple-style-span"> nature. Most children are on cell phones or watching TV or doing something</span><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> on their iphones or androids."</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">I concurred: "We do all seem distracted so much now and not really paying attention to what surrounds us."</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">Nancy continued her thought: "</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span">We are so distracted. And there are so many distractions that are not healthy for us. It's not</span><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> that all distractions are bad. But many are not true to our nature. Having a cell phone and being online all day is easy and can be productive as far as a technology is concerned, </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span">but it is not who we are. Technology is not our spirit."</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">So, besides being distracted - what is our obsession with technology doing to our spirit?, I asked. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj63QrQh72FYVXlObMkxCpI73XVgsTPxUdLiT0deVrSS2vPMAK8wZHITb7NtFZ6PymtyYgS1XHNQmeyMUb1DlBKp7gqD-wsnwfGKzWzitctY7lkHucUJX7DefOi-ymu_NIvQNvwjxJlrcw/s1600/CellPhone-Art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj63QrQh72FYVXlObMkxCpI73XVgsTPxUdLiT0deVrSS2vPMAK8wZHITb7NtFZ6PymtyYgS1XHNQmeyMUb1DlBKp7gqD-wsnwfGKzWzitctY7lkHucUJX7DefOi-ymu_NIvQNvwjxJlrcw/s320/CellPhone-Art.jpg" width="258" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>Are we communing with nature or just commenting and capturing it? </i></b></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">To bring insight into our discussion about being disconnected from the nature that surrounds us, Nancy urged that I read</span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> "Healing Spaces - The Science and Place of Well Being"</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"> b</span><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">y Dr Esther Sternberg MD. <span style="color: black;">She said the book<span class="Apple-style-span"> reveals the importance of how we need
to be connected to nature and how this connection can help heal us.</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Nancy elaborated: "Dr Sternberg's ideas and background of research show spaces can provide healing. For example, when people are in </span><span class="Apple-style-span">hospital rooms there is evidence they heal faster when they have a view of nature, like trees. So views of trees,</span><span class="Apple-style-span"> water, mountains and natural wonder connect our spirit to nature which is very healing. This idea goes back thousands of years </span><span class="Apple-style-span">to native cultures which have always known the healing power of nature, including native plants and substances found naturally in the environment. Native cultures like the American Indians and the Aborigines in
Australia knew the healing power of nature and took what they learned and incorporated it into their lives. Nature was part of their inner and outer landscapes, something they were born with. Nature was as native to their cell tissues as the heart is to the human body and was an integral part of their lives, not just something they observed occasionally from the outside.</span><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span">"</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOSfhtZA6Dzd0Euj_qYTGcZpsYwutMaowOvzrdCR9pDUPtCC25MunBZLVKCYNe6OYQxXsj01XDw-_Ni4RWcVTIILNgY6-dZyTvRCPTnF15UIfb8EseVwX-hSQcuS6N4-JJdzBhmokAXhw/s1600/Honoring+the+Medicine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOSfhtZA6Dzd0Euj_qYTGcZpsYwutMaowOvzrdCR9pDUPtCC25MunBZLVKCYNe6OYQxXsj01XDw-_Ni4RWcVTIILNgY6-dZyTvRCPTnF15UIfb8EseVwX-hSQcuS6N4-JJdzBhmokAXhw/s320/Honoring+the+Medicine.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>The Earth is a Pharmacy of Healing as the Native American Indians knew from their intimate connection with the nature that surrounded them.</i></span></b></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">
</span></span></span></span>
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span">
</span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">
</span></span></span></span>
<br />
<div>
<span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">After I thought about how much our modern culture has disassociated ourselves from the natural rhythms of the environment, I brought the conversation back to technology, which I firmly believe has brought us many benefits:</span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span">"So, the bottom line is, technology can be enormously helpful and it serves a real purpose. But you are saying technology is not who we are and has come to dominate nature?"</span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">
</span></span></span></span>
<br />
<div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Nancy continued her thoughts:</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"> "I do not think technology dominates nature. I think technology dominates humanity to the point humanity does</span><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span">not appreciate or commune with nature like we did before technology.</span></span></span> We are living, breathing creatures like trees, animals, the earth. We are not cell phones. We are not computers.Technology isn't breathing. We invented technology and now technology has taken power. Instead of us ruling technology, technology rules us."</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihLbQh8Y8u8Xn_8JpOP47ULKSt15yAe9flaJ4O0Rfbh8Oo2FxxLFXRlPosKH_ReMznaMcuzV6rfQJ_MbTOSymE2VsF-rI_pJfLwLIdp6JL5HTsuezOUTADme3hNIsMtFb85G2ndpd08LI/s1600/Albert+Einstein+Quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihLbQh8Y8u8Xn_8JpOP47ULKSt15yAe9flaJ4O0Rfbh8Oo2FxxLFXRlPosKH_ReMznaMcuzV6rfQJ_MbTOSymE2VsF-rI_pJfLwLIdp6JL5HTsuezOUTADme3hNIsMtFb85G2ndpd08LI/s320/Albert+Einstein+Quote.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span"></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">As we drove down the West Side Highway into New York, Manhattan loomed before us in all its hectic, techno-modern splendor. We spoke about the importance of technology in solving pressing needs like cleaning up pollution and creating more renewable energy. In this context I asked Nancy: "How do we solve the worlds most pressing environmental problems? How do we truly make the world more sustainable?"</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">Nancy:</span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"> "Sustainability Starts in the Heart:</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"> <span style="font-size: large;">I<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">t comes from your heart out of respect for where you live. We don't just live in a house.</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> We don't just live on a piece of ground. We live on a beautiful planet. It breathes. If we continue to treat it as we have done in the past we will suffocate it. </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I think we forget the earth is alive. And just as nature nurtures us, we have to nurture nature."</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSd8rFtukteEMpBRIhGtt51wD4Sz06d73PbNoyoUTPVsWdlqU5i7TYAIqzNijnJdXZ66m9lxcJpNxPfvbTV_LdnFbb0JkWC04W1-hTNXrSvZIy0-y2-2sKY6pTt2ikwWC1mHisFDZdTik/s1600/Roof+Deck+Element+Times+Square+West+NYC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSd8rFtukteEMpBRIhGtt51wD4Sz06d73PbNoyoUTPVsWdlqU5i7TYAIqzNijnJdXZ66m9lxcJpNxPfvbTV_LdnFbb0JkWC04W1-hTNXrSvZIy0-y2-2sKY6pTt2ikwWC1mHisFDZdTik/s320/Roof+Deck+Element+Times+Square+West+NYC.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><i>Nancy Jack, Paul E McGinniss, Barbara Kurz and Clayton Dewar (left to right) on the roof deck of Element Times Square West in NYC after the SPARK with Dr Michael Finkelstein. Photo by Margaret Lydecker.</i></b> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">After the amazing SPARK with Dr Finkelstein, Nancy and I and a group of friends headed to Element Times Square West where we were staying the night. We enjoyed a wonderful time on the 40th floor roof top deck. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;">The next morning I read an article on Big Think by Tara Rockefeller called <a href="http://bigthink.com/the-scientific-ideas-of-our-time/small-island-big-ideas" target="_blank">"In a World of Ideas, P<span style="color: black;">lace Matters."</span></a></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;"> The poetic article was about Mount Desert Island, the largest island off the Maine Coast, about 100 square miles, where the first U.S. National Park east of the Mississippi was created. The park is now called Acadia National Park and was the first National Park created with the donation of private land.</span> </span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGUZ6gVgBV06FcM_oSZ1DWRRoqRHfrwcIKXdbmrwmkRkiNKN3FRuP869Y5EcuhqLLRnO7WjkcTMKICYq3QRJaAAS2ZxfVKNtO0sTT_M7UXMAfWgFgh6QJ0nnE_hmBy0LzRYygkICi7sCY/s1600/Bubble+Pond+in+Acadia+National+Park,+Maine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGUZ6gVgBV06FcM_oSZ1DWRRoqRHfrwcIKXdbmrwmkRkiNKN3FRuP869Y5EcuhqLLRnO7WjkcTMKICYq3QRJaAAS2ZxfVKNtO0sTT_M7UXMAfWgFgh6QJ0nnE_hmBy0LzRYygkICi7sCY/s320/Bubble+Pond+in+Acadia+National+Park,+Maine.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></div>
<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>View from Above Bubble Pond in Acadia National Park, Mount Desert Island, Maine.</i></span></span></b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">T<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">ara's words reminded me of the conversations I had the day before with Nancy. These thoughts about the importance of place and connecting to our surroundings, they echoed in my ears as I drove back upstate to the bucolic Hudson Valley where I live. I was feeling an even greater appreciation and understanding for those with the vision in this region to conserve many hundreds of thousands of natural acreage for future generations to connect to and benefit from.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">Tara Rockefeller could be speaking for all of us: </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">"</span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">Even in this time of advancing technology and
expanding cyberspace, where we are makes a difference. We don’t think or
exist in empty space; we need nourishment from the earth, literally, to
live and create. Breaking away from day-to-day routines and interacting
in places that bring people together and that feed our minds helps us
understand our relationship with our environment, our “human ecology”,
and leads us on a more sustainable path. And somehow, when we’re
connected to a place, the ideas we generate have more sticking power."</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span>
<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">Copyright Paul E McGinniss 2013</span></span>
</span><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="name">
</div>
</div>
<div id="AOLMsgPart_1_010e878e-7058-4a4d-bb58-1798f4b8f949">
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span><br />
<div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="color: black; font-family: arial,helvetica; font-size: 10pt;">
<div id="AOLMsgPart_1_111da82a-8a7c-4429-a3d7-2fdb2e6914ca">
<div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">
</span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">
</span></span></div>
</div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">
</span></div>
</div>
Paul McGinnisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10597274577419581029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8332772528167165351.post-70818377681542277312013-08-15T15:04:00.000-07:002013-09-15T21:00:19.013-07:00The Powerful Anti-Fracking Film, "Dear Governor Cuomo", Now Available to Download on Internet<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jon Bowermaster's Uplifting Concert Protest Film is a Rousing Rallying Call to Protect our Health and Environment From the Devastating Negative Impact Of Fracking.</span> </span> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">By Paul E McGinniss </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE_UpUfrS6Zfc4A5lthuFDn5AhnxpMEPpwth2prIyrrnYOY4IZ2fEBIiSwqXywgeZo7kPA7zrQ4b9I8kQIIjyS1Zr_d-g4Ay80CUuJ_WI_7dortQZTWkyuL7G-fTKSC-jxcbgtAjkgu-0/s1600/slide_img_7453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE_UpUfrS6Zfc4A5lthuFDn5AhnxpMEPpwth2prIyrrnYOY4IZ2fEBIiSwqXywgeZo7kPA7zrQ4b9I8kQIIjyS1Zr_d-g4Ay80CUuJ_WI_7dortQZTWkyuL7G-fTKSC-jxcbgtAjkgu-0/s400/slide_img_7453.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>A scene of the musicians and environmental advocates in Albany, NY from the concert protest film "Dear Governor Cuomo." </i></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I love the Hudson Valley. The beautiful vistas, the rolling farmland, the high peaks of the Catskills, the rushing creeks and streams and reservoirs that supply New York City with drinking water. Not to mention, the amazing rainbow of creative people who live here, some who have been here for generations and some newly planting themselves in the fertile soils along the mighty Hudson River.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">One of my favorite new friends in the Hudson Valley is writer, filmmaker, National Geographic explorer, and all around good guy, Jon Bowermaster. I was originally connected to Jon when I helped organize a screening of the powerful film about global warming and the world's melting glaciers, <a href="http://ecowatch.com/2012/chasing-ice-ground-zero/" target="_blank">Chasing Ice</a>, at the Rosendale Theater in Rosendale, NY. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I admire Jon for his work and decades-long passion to protect the environment and also for his unwavering commitment to staying positive and inspiring despite the sometimes depressing state of the world environment. Jon not only wants to create beauty, but also use his art and talent to make a difference. For him, like the Russian avant garde productivists who thought art should serve a purpose, Jon uses his talent to not only celebrate nature, but also help shed light on important issues like global warming and fracking, issues which we all must face together as a unified and healing force for change.</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsH1tEYxGGWK3snQKI-dk21kyerzFpAQcP-75ATCLp1gTUeCldjPzFXI5XVkEengoYXijPkDjreYezZPSY_lVlqsWURILlyzNZS7mheo5BpT4SXHNA1WBWWiRCPd31kpv3UWjkSuOgX1w/s1600/Jon+Bowermaster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsH1tEYxGGWK3snQKI-dk21kyerzFpAQcP-75ATCLp1gTUeCldjPzFXI5XVkEengoYXijPkDjreYezZPSY_lVlqsWURILlyzNZS7mheo5BpT4SXHNA1WBWWiRCPd31kpv3UWjkSuOgX1w/s320/Jon+Bowermaster.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Jon Bowermaster in front of the Prius I drove as part of my participation in the recent Toyota Prius Plug-In MPG Challenge for Charity. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">"Dear Governor Coumo" premiered at the 2012 Woodstock Film Festival. The idea for the film was born when New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced he might might lift the four-year
moratorium against hydraulic fracturing (fracking) in New York state. The result is an inspiring concert/protest which was organized on his doorstep in Albany, the state
capital. This musical protest event brought together scientists, musicians,
activists and actors in a scripted night onstage which encouraged the Governor
to join the anti-fracking majority in his home state.</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhureccwbIMxYFdWLLiwGmlwaGG9_zAwod_GAahiecU0Yx0rmjPAKwNWsBpn7CGXhZ6iVYwH2y1gxrJWrUgG4Gt0bkqa0SRhWC6h5SDLI5_dCjKitRnjnxxupBMa_uUN9H3666y4NqneMA/s1600/les_8257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhureccwbIMxYFdWLLiwGmlwaGG9_zAwod_GAahiecU0Yx0rmjPAKwNWsBpn7CGXhZ6iVYwH2y1gxrJWrUgG4Gt0bkqa0SRhWC6h5SDLI5_dCjKitRnjnxxupBMa_uUN9H3666y4NqneMA/s320/les_8257.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>Photo by Les Stone of a family whose drinking water was poisoned from a natural gas well using the controversial technique of hydraulic fracturing (fracking).</i></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">"Dear Governor Cuomo" was written and directed by Jon Bowermaster,
with musical direction by Natalie Merchant. It stars, among others, Mark Ruffalo,
Melissa Leo, Joan Osborne, Citizen Cope & Medeski Martin and Wood. It is described as a cross between “The Last Waltz” and “An Inconvenient
Truth", equal parts message and music. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">What's truly great about this grassroots art advocacy is that it has spawned similar anti-fracking movements across the country with campaigns such as "Dear Governor Brown" in California. When I met with Jon in Stone Ridge last week, he told me that a "Dear President Obama" concert protest film is in the works which will document the grassroots musical protest against fracking across the United States in a feature length film. Thank you Jon for being a good neighbor and rallying us all to take action.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Check out the trailer for "Dear Governor Cuomo" below. (Double click to watch full screen)</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">And, order the film on <a href="http://bit.ly/172gSaU" target="_blank">iTunes</a> or <a href="http://amazon./">Amazon.</a></span> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10pt;"><u><span style="color: blue;"></span></u> </span><br />
<object height="315" width="560"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/PLnBnmq9knk?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0"></param>
<param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param>
<param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param>
<embed src="//www.youtube.com/v/PLnBnmq9knk?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="560" height="315" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Copyright Paul E McGinniss 2013</span></span><br />
<br />Paul McGinnisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10597274577419581029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8332772528167165351.post-24636794229381217402013-08-06T16:23:00.002-07:002013-08-06T16:47:57.762-07:00No Farms...No Food! No Farmers...No Farms! Help The Farmer of Stone Ridge Orchard Buy the Farm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">My
latest stop as part of my journey in the month-long 2013 Toyota
Prius Plug-In MPG Challenge was to the Stone Ridge Orchard in the
historic hamlet of Stone Ridge, Ulster County, New York. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span">By Paul E McGinniss </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3c32VVWhMguQUXnKaqT4jS7JY47VvDcV9G2qLNtuutCkk9wUTUs3Ffi9Uzwi06uaXbGKurgJOV3NFxLDm765tbEZKESe6aVxob4KN_RlpJFUJ1gF2BalK9zcfbRNhxFl-YbszK0Hrw4k/s1600/stunning+views+at+Stone+Ridge+Orchard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3c32VVWhMguQUXnKaqT4jS7JY47VvDcV9G2qLNtuutCkk9wUTUs3Ffi9Uzwi06uaXbGKurgJOV3NFxLDm765tbEZKESe6aVxob4KN_RlpJFUJ1gF2BalK9zcfbRNhxFl-YbszK0Hrw4k/s320/stunning+views+at+Stone+Ridge+Orchard.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Stunning Views at Stone Ridge Orchard from a high point on the property</span></span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">At the Stone Ridge Orchard rows and rows of fruit trees stretch as far
as the eye
can see, with the dramatic blue peaks of the Catskill Mountains as
backdrop. The produce grown here by farm operator Elizabeth Ryan, and at the two other Hudson Valley farms that Elizabeth Ryan
helms, includes over one hundred varieties of apples, peaches, plums,
cherries,
strawberries, raspberries and pears including heirloom, old
fashioned and traditional varieties. These farms produce endangered
fruit such as French and German plums. Also produced are Esopus or
Spitzenburg apples, which originated in the Hudson Valley which some claim was George Washington's favorite apple.</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv4j0xgL3qdbV6-y7HIV1lrtn8o2-8WqxvL8fGoSEysr1QupxDDhoVHKGhmoVKXeegomqA_LZZCMPtsvSUYxL6jTBglZzqpiiAHqfBG1n7bk31dvMayl-TTAXrvYTqneLrmtLjhPfzhdY/s1600/Stone+Rigde+Orchard,+NY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv4j0xgL3qdbV6-y7HIV1lrtn8o2-8WqxvL8fGoSEysr1QupxDDhoVHKGhmoVKXeegomqA_LZZCMPtsvSUYxL6jTBglZzqpiiAHqfBG1n7bk31dvMayl-TTAXrvYTqneLrmtLjhPfzhdY/s400/Stone+Rigde+Orchard,+NY.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Trailblazer Elizabeth Ryan, a famed Hudson Valley farmer and food artisan has owned and operated the Breezy Hill Orchard and Cider
Mill across the Hudson River from Stone Ridge in Dutchess County for over 20 years. In addition to these ventures, f</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span">or the past six years, Elizabeth has been nurturing The Stone Ridge Orchard, a stunningly beautiful 117 acre parcel of land into a productive orchard. In attempt to protect this pristine land from development she has begun in earnest a campaign to </span>raise funds and consciousness to preserve the farm.</span></span><br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Over several decades of passionate advocacy,<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>Elizabeth has garnered many accomplishments in her role as proprietor, farmer and advocate.<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>Among the many to her credit she can claim:<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>Elizabeth is<span style="font-style: italic;"> a</span> founding farm member of the Union Square Green
Market in Manhattan</span><span style="font-size: small;">, the first Green Market in NYC which helped create and launch the whole<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>Green Market Movement. She is also<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>a partner in the Hudson Valley's Knoll Krest Farm which raises all natural (organic and cage free) poultry and eggs. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheVWwKgYYApm0HvjgALIy7VxXD3Z_Eyf9KqWowSid8rOkdeHMjNa3Evg3pr5Wy2wHLqnBn8d01XIdUcKfPjb-S-J42DqeIyeGcPGOn1_eG4LEgoQ_NvxJXYUnub8pn_IBd7oblI9cNJQU/s1600/Stone+Ridge+Orchard,+Ulster+County,+NY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheVWwKgYYApm0HvjgALIy7VxXD3Z_Eyf9KqWowSid8rOkdeHMjNa3Evg3pr5Wy2wHLqnBn8d01XIdUcKfPjb-S-J42DqeIyeGcPGOn1_eG4LEgoQ_NvxJXYUnub8pn_IBd7oblI9cNJQU/s400/Stone+Ridge+Orchard,+Ulster+County,+NY.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The entrance to Stone Ridge Orchard is just a stone's throw from the
"downtown" of Stone Ridge off of Route 213, and just a hop skip and a
jump from nearby High Falls </span> </span> </span> </i><br />
<i> </i> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQwICY1-Gsyan17t0gXozR_hVm4YPOjqMumONAfkbaSJY3BUawPH1M1qcWSCMAtddmuddbGdGZM43azzYPkXHma7ahjQ1WcaDwfpDeYlqBX70w_90k_hG7unqjUzrmQsl6W2CdOmloMj8/s1600/Plug-In+Prius+with+300+year+old+tree+at+Stone+Ridge+Orchard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQwICY1-Gsyan17t0gXozR_hVm4YPOjqMumONAfkbaSJY3BUawPH1M1qcWSCMAtddmuddbGdGZM43azzYPkXHma7ahjQ1WcaDwfpDeYlqBX70w_90k_hG7unqjUzrmQsl6W2CdOmloMj8/s400/Plug-In+Prius+with+300+year+old+tree+at+Stone+Ridge+Orchard.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></span></div>
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">My Prius is taking a rest in front of the majestic 300 year old oak tree while I wandered around the orchard taking pictures. I was tempted to pick some apples, but alas, I refrained as there is a lovely store at the entrance to the orchard where I could buy some freshly picked fruit</span>.</span></span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Stone Ridge Orchard is certified in the Eco Apple Program which is part of The Northeast Eco Apple Project, funded by the EPA. Eco
Apple certification is managed by The Integrated Pest Management
Institute of America, based in Wisconsin. The Institute reviews farms to ensure,
among other things, spraying of any kind is done only when necessary and
with minimal environmental impact. </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikgT-KLy4JEMXW6zpX_an5xVL0rhyphenhyphenNfbMA7tqH53EadS0n9hSzuPxYQNkVMoTY68fg9EA1m080h-hFYZi2psHBTHuQETNT5goV6H59JDpvkIaoGW2GPP9-l56JDs3r9DYfRjki0y3WNfA/s1600/Banner+at+Stone+Ridge+Orchard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikgT-KLy4JEMXW6zpX_an5xVL0rhyphenhyphenNfbMA7tqH53EadS0n9hSzuPxYQNkVMoTY68fg9EA1m080h-hFYZi2psHBTHuQETNT5goV6H59JDpvkIaoGW2GPP9-l56JDs3r9DYfRjki0y3WNfA/s400/Banner+at+Stone+Ridge+Orchard.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Eco Apple orchards never use Organophosphates, a toxic insecticide. The Pesticide Action Network states that "Organophosphates are similar to the chemical warfare agents produced during World War II, and are some of the most common, and most toxic
insecticides used today, adversely affecting the human nervous system
even at low levels of exposure."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">During my visit to <span style="font-style: italic;">Stone Ridge Orchard</span> I had the pleasure to meet Bilinda M. Phillips who
works with Elizabeth Ryan. While speaking with Belinda our conversation was interrupted by a phone call<span style="font-style: italic;">,</span> and I overheard her on the phone speaking to a
family member about her father. It was clear from the<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>phone conversation that he was not well. After the call I inquired as to his well-being, only to discover that her father suffers from the devastating effects of Agent
Orange poisoning. Agent Orange was used extensively as a defoliant during the
Vietnam War.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC9BKY244XAxpWqZJgLfFRNzbaecJweEMolWkNmuKUppabLxInHsk3-w9LjV-saROoO6VDMS-pbKPWMS63PiJ-Bn1s2yYLl4fAnVVXohi2zIwno1RVAEPO9WYlk4LjZ9JqjeGZxIEh8Bw/s1600/Blinda++Phillips+at+Stone+Ridge+Orchard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC9BKY244XAxpWqZJgLfFRNzbaecJweEMolWkNmuKUppabLxInHsk3-w9LjV-saROoO6VDMS-pbKPWMS63PiJ-Bn1s2yYLl4fAnVVXohi2zIwno1RVAEPO9WYlk4LjZ9JqjeGZxIEh8Bw/s400/Blinda++Phillips+at+Stone+Ridge+Orchard.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Bilinda M Phillips at Stone Ridge Orchard standing near a banner at the entrance.</span></span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">While standing in front of the Eco Apple banner and the American flag, we spoke passionately about the injustice done to our soldiers who were poisoned by Agent Orange. Neither company, Dow Chemical nor Monsanto, the manufacturers of Agent Orange, nor our own U.S. Government which contracted their services, has ever admitted legal responsibility for poisoning our soldiers no less the the citizens of the countries where Agent Orange was deployed.</span></span><br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This
conversation about Agent Orange might seem to be a far stretch from The
New York Green Advocate blog
post about saving a local farm which practices sustainable and
eco-friendly farming practices, but it is not. In fact, talking with
Belinda about Agent Orange demonstrated the raison </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="yui_3_7_2_77_1375794985814_115"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">d'</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">être</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> for advocacy
in support of local farms and the dedicated agrarians who consciously
and responsibly sacrifice and toil to</span><span style="font-size: small;"> keep the
food production of our country in the hands
of good stewards of our environment. </span></span></span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Massive amounts of herbicides
and pesticides, known causes of cancer and other
diseases such as Parkinson's disease, are still sprayed on the produce
grown on our farms. It is with great shock and horror that I can report
that in efforts to reintroduce the use of the herbicide 2,4-D as part of
a "weed management program", Dow Chemical and Monsanto have formed a
most unholy alliance to join forces to "poison" America's Heartland.
This herbicide is one half of the infamous Agent Orange. If successful,
this is predicted to double the use of this harmful herbicide use in
America's Corn Belt during the next decade. This toxic chemical is to
be sold along with the GMO crop critics have dubbed "Agent Orange Corn",
which is genetically engineered to be immune to 2,4-D.</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd3ZcgRe7KOMhS3tV5DfQShH6MO7epXS8OXxxkCeLQ0mvInqyEg9TnBVaHus6wQlmK3qDRPkIE1u3U3PxE5h3_dy7Rhz9JcENJAgBgf_emZ6rkRD96cMpCOv-BJZ7VPGXfCMZCU7Onuzc/s1600/Buy+Local+ast+Stone+Ridge+Orchard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd3ZcgRe7KOMhS3tV5DfQShH6MO7epXS8OXxxkCeLQ0mvInqyEg9TnBVaHus6wQlmK3qDRPkIE1u3U3PxE5h3_dy7Rhz9JcENJAgBgf_emZ6rkRD96cMpCOv-BJZ7VPGXfCMZCU7Onuzc/s400/Buy+Local+ast+Stone+Ridge+Orchard.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">On a positive note, agricultural pioneers are not taking the situation lying down and should be supported in their efforts. In a recent media release about her exciting plans to buy the Stone Ridge Orchard, the Hudson Valley's pioneer Elizabeth Ryan reported:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We will build out an European style cidery, plant an organic
cider orchard and develop an organic bee-yard with acres of bee forage.
This is an ambitious multiphase project. We are looking for
trailblazers, co-conspirators, friends, investors and partners. We will
be hosting two major fundraisers, one in NYC and one in Stone Ridge and
we are looking for qualified investors/partners for the cider company."</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeXrQQ2k57bISfAldLMqywUdx0mVkEhs5Rg7PZhzBhFt_jqkfmoRsb9begjCkqv_6EXx52hGYzzpg05WPfN-r6diFnvHsiHbxH2KFLvLtNTm8eTHsN9Mop6-gaGx3rLdE_uJLxak2BYHA/s1600/New+York+Syrup+Catskill+Comfort.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeXrQQ2k57bISfAldLMqywUdx0mVkEhs5Rg7PZhzBhFt_jqkfmoRsb9begjCkqv_6EXx52hGYzzpg05WPfN-r6diFnvHsiHbxH2KFLvLtNTm8eTHsN9Mop6-gaGx3rLdE_uJLxak2BYHA/s400/New+York+Syrup+Catskill+Comfort.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In addition to the scrumptious produce from the orchard, the Shop at the Stone Ridge Orchard temps the visitors with other special artisan locavore products such as Catskill Comfort (pictured above) a regionally produced maple syrup. (Sorry Vermont! W e love you but you ain't the only artisinal foodies making the amber elixir)</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6LNvsH_ivv8MGyDt5NykeqxO-HMfCjFvvCHhC8mC3nfjJdRYFVDsCmDYRg64QG0lO5XvV_nGANXx6OXbru3Un7mVcsiQF3c-eh3mV_4t0ZwEWkC6QlDw8H1Xh6esCuHofznJcVNWNbxY/s1600/Hard+Cider+made+in+New+York.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6LNvsH_ivv8MGyDt5NykeqxO-HMfCjFvvCHhC8mC3nfjJdRYFVDsCmDYRg64QG0lO5XvV_nGANXx6OXbru3Un7mVcsiQF3c-eh3mV_4t0ZwEWkC6QlDw8H1Xh6esCuHofznJcVNWNbxY/s400/Hard+Cider+made+in+New+York.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i> A jug of locally made at the Stone Ridge Orchard store, below a map of the property</i>.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In a recent interview with Farm Aid, a nonprofit organization whose
mission is to keep family farmers on their land, Elizabeth Ryan was
asked why farmers are important. Her eloquent response: </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">"Being a farmer is like being a doctor or an artist - we give back to
the community. Health starts in healthy soil and healthy food.
Everything starts with food and we feed people! We also maintain open
space and natural habitat. Farmers preserve a non-industrial way of
life, in rhythm with the land and seasons, which is important to our
culture."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Help Elizabeth Ryan buy the farm! </span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">No farms.... no food! </span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">No farmers.... no farms!</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Elizabeth Ryan reports a detailed fundraising campaign will be announced shortly, but in the meantime, <b>you can donate at <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001bLGwDYdVxtINh8NCdGuU8R8r90NobO5e6NTMzQSSYD5anhFdaFuFFMlSzn0hvoEjvnmpcUJFhYaJk9TnTpRI7t_9UMEABPmPJyeE-N_mwadVCQvi8dXMyqOx1DTBRMixBWW_3qW-uJ8=" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">www.friendsofstoneridgeorchard.com</a></b> You can also contact Elizabeth directly at <a href="mailto:elizabethsetonryan@gmail.com">elizabethsetonryan@gmail.com</a> for more information on how you can help.</span></span><br />
<br />
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><b>NOTE: This post was written during my participation in</b><i> </i></span></span><b>The <span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://pressroom.toyota.com/releases/toyota+eco-savvy+influencers+2013+prius+mpg+challenge.htm" style="color: #cc6600; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">2013 Toyota Prius Plug-in MPG Challenge</a>.</span></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span></span> <span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">From July 12th to Aug 12th, I will be driving a Prius Plug-In Hybrid as part of the <a href="http://pressroom.toyota.com/releases/toyota+eco-savvy+influencers+2013+prius+mpg+challenge.htm" style="color: #cc6600; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">2013 Toyota Prius Plug-in MPG Challenge</a>.</span> </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">Toyota
has partnered with seven prolific environmental influencers (myself
included) from the tri-state area for Wave Two of the 2013 Prius Plug-In
MPG Challenge – a fun competition to help educate local communities on
the benefits of electric vehicles. The winner of the challenge will
receive a $2,500 donation to the charity of their choice. </span></span></span> </span><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">(Check out #Pluginforcharity on Facebook and Twitter.)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">The charity I am competing for is New York-based <a href="http://www.waterkeeper.org/" style="color: #cc6600; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Waterkeeper Alliance</a>,
a global movement of on-the-water advocates who patrol and protect over
100,000 miles of rivers, streams and coastlines in North and South
America, Europe, Australia, Asia and Africa.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnWXPDA4KAlqsqnzcbbakxcizE-ZhKJ-pDRifdG2_7mJU-o7DVH1k4rtB2ny30VWouJJyFg1oc99i_ncohyswuh3rahjvsCTvnqhWlZVsNpNmVW3Sy5aJJuv25xv-cJsVD58JXlPUjaeQ/s1600/waterkeeper+alliance+logo.jpg" style="color: #cc6600; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnWXPDA4KAlqsqnzcbbakxcizE-ZhKJ-pDRifdG2_7mJU-o7DVH1k4rtB2ny30VWouJJyFg1oc99i_ncohyswuh3rahjvsCTvnqhWlZVsNpNmVW3Sy5aJJuv25xv-cJsVD58JXlPUjaeQ/s320/waterkeeper+alliance+logo.jpg" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(27, 112, 58); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(27, 112, 58); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(27, 112, 58); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(27, 112, 58); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px;" width="320" /></a></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: black; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: black; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">I would like to thank Earth Day NY for facilitating my participation in the Prius Plug-in MPG Challenge in NYC.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/EarthDayNewYork" style="color: #cc6600; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Check out Earth Day NY on Facebook.</a></span><span style="font-size: small;"><br /><br /><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">And,<a href="http://www.starwoodhotels.com/element/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3361" style="color: #cc6600; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"> <b>a big shout out to Element, Times Square West</b></a>for providing hotel accommodations while I am in NYC for the challenge.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERa_ydjVeCUieJCNCFBj322hNQfUJdHF8ODUd_Zs42EwWHgXNf1JnqRYBzafIVUJzlCF0M58BGmMyXxyqq_Q0nRCfI2a81MMECBJRg6ELk30by0JrczB_NIfi8CJ92gb5zqX-i8-yDfY/s1600/element+logo.jpg" style="color: #cc6600; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERa_ydjVeCUieJCNCFBj322hNQfUJdHF8ODUd_Zs42EwWHgXNf1JnqRYBzafIVUJzlCF0M58BGmMyXxyqq_Q0nRCfI2a81MMECBJRg6ELk30by0JrczB_NIfi8CJ92gb5zqX-i8-yDfY/s320/element+logo.jpg" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(27, 112, 58); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(27, 112, 58); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(27, 112, 58); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(27, 112, 58); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px;" width="293" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /><span style="font-size: small;"> Copyright 2013 Paul E McGinniss</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />Paul McGinnisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10597274577419581029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8332772528167165351.post-63753564282765614342013-08-01T12:00:00.000-07:002013-08-06T16:51:10.191-07:00My Road Trip to a Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research Fundraiser in Central Park, NYC<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">by Paul E McGinniss</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As part of my month long participation in the 2013 Toyota Prius Plug-In MPG Challenge I had the pleasure to attend the 6<sup>th</sup>
Annual War on Parkinson's Softball Game in NYC, a fundraiser to support the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. (The MJFF)</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWJQjn4opERrYrZO3ubtYJhibooybKSF-B0-yHpiWiOi1xs2AVjo8-ABfKtw_ef8CFzXR_uFDOZbXZpe6jFMhhdOdaTAODOajdAlFHmlGBvoN6_3oL13DrA8Bu5x8_iri7YBbJRl6sqvg/s1600/photo-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWJQjn4opERrYrZO3ubtYJhibooybKSF-B0-yHpiWiOi1xs2AVjo8-ABfKtw_ef8CFzXR_uFDOZbXZpe6jFMhhdOdaTAODOajdAlFHmlGBvoN6_3oL13DrA8Bu5x8_iri7YBbJRl6sqvg/s400/photo-3.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photo of the 6<sup>th</sup> Annual War on Parkinson's Softball Game, Central Park, NYC 2013</span></i><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This annual event is organized by TeamFox member Mike Costa, who is one of the most prolific fundraisers for the foundation. It was a super hot and humid summer day, but cool to be sitting in the bleachers at Heckscher
Ballfields in South Central Park with a group of dedicated New Yorkers who were all "going to bat" for Parkinson's. (The spectacular view of the NYC skyline wasn't too shabby either!)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span>
According to the MJFF, as many as one million Americans live with Parkinson's disease, with approximately 60,000 Americans diagnosed each year. The <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">disease was first characterized extensively in 1817 by English doctor James Parkinson. Parkinson's, a disorder of the central nervous system, results from the loss of cells in various parts of the brain leaving </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">patients less able to direct or control their</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">movement.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: small; line-height: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="6th Annual War on Parkinson's Softball Game Heads to Central Park" height="203" src="https://www.michaeljfox.org/files/blog/Mike%20Costa_War%20on%20PD.jpg" width="380" /></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; line-height: normal;">On Saturday, July 13</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; line-height: normal;"><sup>th</sup></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; line-height: normal;">, TeamFox member Mike Costa (laying on ground in front of players) took the mound in Central Park for his 6</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; line-height: normal;"><sup>th</sup></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; line-height: normal;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; line-height: normal;">Annual War on Parkinson's Softball Game. As usual, Mike recruited a stellar lineup of teammates—including many ex-major and minor league players.</span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">Michael J. Fox was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson's disease in 1991. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">While he maintains a strong commitment to his acting and writing careers, Fox has shifted his primary focus and energies toward The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, which he launched in 2000; and its efforts to raise much-needed research funding and awareness for Parkinson's disease.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
The MJFF Foundation explains on its web site:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
"The exact cause of Parkinson's disease is unknown, although research points to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. P<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; line-height: normal;">esticide exposure has been associated with higher risk of Parkinson's disease"</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
Recent scientific studies also <a href="http://ecowatch.org/2012/toxic-strawberry-pesticide-on-trial/" target="_blank">link pesticides to cancer,</a> ADD, and a host of other diseases.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: GibsonRegular, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Michael J. Fox in Congress" height="213" src="https://www.michaeljfox.org/images/mjf_story.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" width="400" /></span></div>
<div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 12px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Michael J. Fox has put a compassionate face on Parkinson's disease, while raising consciousness and millions of dollars to find a cure.</span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To gain insight into the environmental risk factors of Parkinson's, I contacted <a href="http://www.thepi.org/" target="_blank">The Parkinson's Institute and Clinical Center </a>in Sunnyvale, California and spoke with </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Samuel M. Goldman, MD, MPH. Dr Goldman explained:</span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
"Evidence continues to mount that chemicals in the environment contribute to the risk of Parkinson's disease. (PD) These relationships can be very difficult to study, because important exposures may have occurred many years prior to disease onset. Nonetheless, there is substantial evidence that exposure to some types of pesticides may increase risk." </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
I asked Dr Goldman how pervasive these potentially harmful chemicals were in the environment and he expounded:</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Some of these compounds are extremely pervasive. Organochlorine pesticides persist for decades, especially in fatty tissues, so they bioconcentrate in the food chain. Chlorinated solvents such as TCE or the similar compound tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene, PERC) rapidly degrade in the atmosphere, however, they can persist for decades in groundwater. Thus, although it doesn’t technically bioconcentrate, TCE is detectable in food, human breast milk, and is the most common organic groundwater contaminant. Paraquat (a herbicide)) and rotenone (a pesticide) do not persist very long after application, but persistence isn’t necessarily a requirement for toxicity. A single exposure may be sufficient to initiate a degenerative cascade that presents as PD years later."</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
The health consequences of chemical exposure over our lifespan are complicated as Dr. Goldman elaborates:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Furthermore, exposure to one toxicant can increase the sensitivity to subsequent toxicant exposures—this is known as the “2-hit” hypothesis, and it can be clearly demonstrated in a variety of animal models. Paraquat is still regularly used as a pre-emergent herbicide and defoliant. Rotenone is still used as an insecticide, but much less so than previously (previously, it was commonly used to treat pets). It is also used as a pesticide, to kill invasive fish species in lakes. TCE and PERC are still commonly used in industry as degreasers and in dry cleaning (PERC). Previously, TCE was used to decaffeinate coffee and as an anesthetic."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZKFhmGNzRvlDbVsVQAjKcwSkbmTUibmvKZ5MjYgmOFwGUv1YAg5_D14j6AtBLTxPN0hILqfAbTBuk6BdfoPypksqOjrvJvt_ljPSAg1hOLOzwg5t8-pHWPVMQB0tqDLx0bpaTbL1P-4c/s1600/photo-7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZKFhmGNzRvlDbVsVQAjKcwSkbmTUibmvKZ5MjYgmOFwGUv1YAg5_D14j6AtBLTxPN0hILqfAbTBuk6BdfoPypksqOjrvJvt_ljPSAg1hOLOzwg5t8-pHWPVMQB0tqDLx0bpaTbL1P-4c/s400/photo-7.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mike Costa of TeamFox (left) with me wearing my cherished Waterkepeeper Alliance hat!</span></i><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In an attempt to further understand if the herbicide and pesticide industries are taking sufficient actions to safeguard public health from the chemicals they sell, I asked Dr Goldman to give me his perspective:</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"I don’t know much about the actions taken by industry, though some have gone out of their way to subpoena our research data—sapping our time and resources. As I mentioned, the relationships between environmental chemicals and PD are very difficult to delineate. We need to use a variety of study designs in a variety of human settings, rodent and cellular models. I hope that the manufacturers of compounds that have been identified as possibly increasing the risk of PD recognize that we are 'in this together'. They should do everything they can to advance toxicologic research into these compounds, openly, transparently. They should freely share any 'proprietary' toxicologic research they have on these compounds."</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip8jvFIm9X_mLSqHZ2Nzml5aC2-l1MoWYIyIYUDer9lvPdBp7wNoC2GTDjURtqFBM4Zp2wanDro30LYxhf0ZgT0hJQeMBqWumpqcpfsAaAoScK8ANe3PikC_x9kkA3ajWZTidSjFyAOYU/s1600/photo-4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip8jvFIm9X_mLSqHZ2Nzml5aC2-l1MoWYIyIYUDer9lvPdBp7wNoC2GTDjURtqFBM4Zp2wanDro30LYxhf0ZgT0hJQeMBqWumpqcpfsAaAoScK8ANe3PikC_x9kkA3ajWZTidSjFyAOYU/s400/photo-4.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(From left to right), Camille Costa, wife of Mike Costa; Jason Rice, Director Team Fox and Annual Giving for the MJFF; and Nancy Armstrong, who is organizing a 2014 benefit for the MJFF</span></i><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><span class="Apple-style-span">
After my dialog with Dr Samuel M Goldman and reading so many credible scientific studies which show links between common chemicals and diseases like Parkinson's, I have become more motivated to help raise consciousness about the need for effective oversight on what chemicals should be sold, not only in the USA but around the world.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">With evidence mounting, it </span></span>should not be difficult for anyone to recognize the dangers of herbicides and pesticides, of which millions and millions of pounds are sprayed across the country on lawns and fields of crops. The danger to humans should be especially evident with recent findings that the ominous, global bee die-off is directly related to herbicides and pesticides.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img alt="Colony Collapse Disorder" border="0" height="191" src="http://www.stopsprayingcalifornia.com/images/pages/Honey_Bees_&_Chemtrails_image023.jpg" v:shapes="_x0000_i1046" width="400" /></span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As reported in <a href="http://ecowatch.com/2013/pesticides-contributor-declining-honey-bees/" target="_blank">EcoWatch</a>, researchers at <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;">U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the University of Maryland </span>confirm pesticide exposure is a major contributor to the declining honey bee population. EcoWatch reported: "<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;">Since 2006, honey bees nationwide have suffered ongoing and rapid population declines, from hive abandonment and bee die-off in a phenomenon known as</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"> colony collapse disorder </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;">(CCD). The causes are numerous, however, recent scientific evidence points to the role of a systemic class of pesticides, neonicotinoids, which contaminate pollen, nectar and the wider environment, causing lethal exposure to honey bees and threatening our food systems.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"> "</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;">And it is not just bees that are giving us a buzzing alarm signal that we need to be significantly more vigilant by monitoring the environmental impact of chemicals we release into the environment. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;">In 2011, hundreds and hundreds of birds died en masse in Louisiana, and some suspected the toxic dispersant </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><a href="http://ecowatch.org/2012/is-the-epa-covering-up-oil-dispersant-dangers/" style="color: blue; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Corexit</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"> used to "clean" up the <i>Deepwater Horizon</i> BP Oil Spill was to blame. </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><br /></span></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_R4GbVVt27maYJRRVY0c0I1KgBpzAuA-U43FSi-rLigujotvK8R1_KckPiMuisuShnMVUa87zwIuBGqFjRzNmHSrd7JwXXrOPwAajEtB3j2yrf-6yLaNG90iXWh8Yo-z_srZLUt7vk-s/s1600/w620-8ed12d4e03cd6130f82c5b56057ada8b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_R4GbVVt27maYJRRVY0c0I1KgBpzAuA-U43FSi-rLigujotvK8R1_KckPiMuisuShnMVUa87zwIuBGqFjRzNmHSrd7JwXXrOPwAajEtB3j2yrf-6yLaNG90iXWh8Yo-z_srZLUt7vk-s/s400/w620-8ed12d4e03cd6130f82c5b56057ada8b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><i>One of Michael J Fox's best selling books , Always Looking Up, which inspires us all to tackle our problems head on, with our chins up and take action to make positive change!</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;">Despite the complex challenges facing us, it is </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;">important not to end </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;">this post on</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"> a sour </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;">note. All the problems facing us are solvable. M</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;">any talented and brave people </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;">like Michael J. Fox and Dr Samuel M. Goldman and the Costa family on Long Island </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;">are using the</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;">ir </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;">lives, talents and passion to make the world a healthy, vibrant place for future generations. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;">Let us all be thankful and </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;">give a big shout out to Michael J. Fox</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;">,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"> who has taken the tragedy of disease and turned it in into an uplifting journey of survival and hope. </span></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;">Michael's heartfelt words jump off the page in his book "Lucky Man: A Memoir":</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;">"These last ten years of coming to terms with my disease would turn out to be the best ten years of my life - not in spite of my illness, but because of it."</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><b>Learn more and get involved with the MJFF at <a class="yt-uix-redirect-link" dir="ltr" href="https://www.michaeljfox.org/donate" style="color: blue; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank" title="https://www.michaeljfox.org/donate">https://www.michaeljfox.org/donate</a></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><a href="http://youtu.be/T6_wAVx4uuo" style="color: blue; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Check out the music video</a> below of a jam session featuring Michael J. Fox and Elvis Costello performing "Pump It Up." at the 2012 The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research annual gala "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Cure Parkinson's" in New York City</span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/FgA0vx6hhmU" width="420"></iframe></span><br />
<div id="AOLMsgPart_1_6296d34a-c640-4120-8e76-b0cd66b99e6d">
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small; line-height: 30px;"></span></span></span>
<br />
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>NOTE: This post was written during my participation in</b></span><i> </i></span></span><b>The <span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://pressroom.toyota.com/releases/toyota+eco-savvy+influencers+2013+prius+mpg+challenge.htm" style="color: #cc6600; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">2013 Toyota Prius Plug-in MPG Challenge</a>.</span></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">From July 12th to Aug 12th, I will be driving a Prius Plug-In Hybrid as part of the <a href="http://pressroom.toyota.com/releases/toyota+eco-savvy+influencers+2013+prius+mpg+challenge.htm" style="color: #cc6600; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">2013 Toyota Prius Plug-in MPG Challenge</a>.</span> </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">Toyota has partnered with seven prolific environmental influencers (myself included) from the tri-state area for Wave Two of the 2013 Prius Plug-In MPG Challenge – a fun competition to help educate local communities on the benefits of electric vehicles. The winner of the challenge will receive a $2,500 donation to the charity of their choice. </span></span></span> </span><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><br /><br /><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">(Check out #Pluginforcharity on Facebook and Twitter.)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">The charity I am competing for is New York-based <a href="http://www.waterkeeper.org/" style="color: #cc6600; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Waterkeeper Alliance</a>, a global movement of on-the-water advocates who patrol and protect over 100,000 miles of rivers, streams and coastlines in North and South America, Europe, Australia, Asia and Africa.</span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnWXPDA4KAlqsqnzcbbakxcizE-ZhKJ-pDRifdG2_7mJU-o7DVH1k4rtB2ny30VWouJJyFg1oc99i_ncohyswuh3rahjvsCTvnqhWlZVsNpNmVW3Sy5aJJuv25xv-cJsVD58JXlPUjaeQ/s1600/waterkeeper+alliance+logo.jpg" style="color: #cc6600; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnWXPDA4KAlqsqnzcbbakxcizE-ZhKJ-pDRifdG2_7mJU-o7DVH1k4rtB2ny30VWouJJyFg1oc99i_ncohyswuh3rahjvsCTvnqhWlZVsNpNmVW3Sy5aJJuv25xv-cJsVD58JXlPUjaeQ/s320/waterkeeper+alliance+logo.jpg" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(27, 112, 58); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(27, 112, 58); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(27, 112, 58); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(27, 112, 58); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px;" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><br /><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">I would like to thank Earth Day NY for facilitating my participation in the Prius Plug-in MPG Challenge in NYC.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/EarthDayNewYork" style="color: #cc6600; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Check out Earth Day NY on Facebook</span>.</a></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">And,<a href="http://www.starwoodhotels.com/element/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3361" style="color: #cc6600; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"> <b>a big shout out to Element, Times Square West </b></a>for providing hotel accommodations </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">while I was in NYC for the Challenge</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERa_ydjVeCUieJCNCFBj322hNQfUJdHF8ODUd_Zs42EwWHgXNf1JnqRYBzafIVUJzlCF0M58BGmMyXxyqq_Q0nRCfI2a81MMECBJRg6ELk30by0JrczB_NIfi8CJ92gb5zqX-i8-yDfY/s1600/element+logo.jpg" style="color: #cc6600; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERa_ydjVeCUieJCNCFBj322hNQfUJdHF8ODUd_Zs42EwWHgXNf1JnqRYBzafIVUJzlCF0M58BGmMyXxyqq_Q0nRCfI2a81MMECBJRg6ELk30by0JrczB_NIfi8CJ92gb5zqX-i8-yDfY/s320/element+logo.jpg" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(27, 112, 58); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(27, 112, 58); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(27, 112, 58); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(27, 112, 58); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px;" width="293" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Copyright 2013 Paul E McGinniss</span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
Paul McGinnisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10597274577419581029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8332772528167165351.post-81955969033144765842013-07-27T16:14:00.000-07:002013-07-27T16:14:22.156-07:00The Best Apps to Show you How to find EV Charging Station Locations In the United StatesThe Plug-In Hybrid and EV Infrastructure is Really Charging Up. And It's Not Just the Lucky Tesla Drivers<br />
who have a Private Charging Network who will be able to Easily Juice Up Their Vehicles When On the Road<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmpeeUFbrP-z_TpWKWq1pPYY4ps-UYvqc31z7cYxJPBgJXQcNklhtgryYBq3JYd3Xb38vaSP0gr8bDHDRmoCiQZlYh6k1B_3EiGtujsX1hH_t53LDogBilqxcQr7JdkGc7j-JJk6m3F6g/s1600/20111018_pix18186_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmpeeUFbrP-z_TpWKWq1pPYY4ps-UYvqc31z7cYxJPBgJXQcNklhtgryYBq3JYd3Xb38vaSP0gr8bDHDRmoCiQZlYh6k1B_3EiGtujsX1hH_t53LDogBilqxcQr7JdkGc7j-JJk6m3F6g/s400/20111018_pix18186_large.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">T</span></span></span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><b><i>he U.S. DOE Alternative Fuel Data Center has a Mobile Alternative Fueling Station Locator which tells the closest biodiesel, electric, E85, hydrogen, natural gas, and propane fueling sites.
Credit: Dennis Schroeder</i></b><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">As part of my participation in the </span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://pressroom.toyota.com/releases/toyota+eco-savvy+influencers+2013+prius+mpg+challenge.htm" target="_blank">2013 Toyota Prius Plug-in MPG Challenge</a> I am compiling useful research data about all things EV and about the infrastructure for EV's in the U.S. Below I have listed five apps that allow an EV driver to find EV charger locations across the U.S</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwP-Qkvns9K_U66htqVPMJ6WLtxpUkU-fsFoc4nQLOrWzJzg05Og0GJ0YAbtkmtSINmBxmd27j8a0Vu4po4WkA8wAmmIBcXuJQtr3kpoTjuAY8Nw3SJxEaH-yXPBk0vNkjKO1EFC1ZwnA/s1600/hp_eere_logo_new.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="72" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwP-Qkvns9K_U66htqVPMJ6WLtxpUkU-fsFoc4nQLOrWzJzg05Og0GJ0YAbtkmtSINmBxmd27j8a0Vu4po4WkA8wAmmIBcXuJQtr3kpoTjuAY8Nw3SJxEaH-yXPBk0vNkjKO1EFC1ZwnA/s320/hp_eere_logo_new.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">U.S. DOE's <label for="search">Alternative Fuels Data Center</label> </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;">is a good place to start when looking for an <a href="http://www.afdc.energy.gov/fuels/electricity_stations.html" target="_blank">App that will help you locate an EV charger</a>. You can find electric vehicle charging stations near an address or ZIP code or along a route in the United States. For more alternative
fueling stations, use the <a href="http://www.afdc.energy.gov/locator/stations/" target="_blank">Alternative Fueling Station Locator</a>.</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEjIfFaCiu5WbD0-fAHVuB_4R-rrb6PNFTYBpjNFfyFyyZAJAum0TAT7_fsY8dVaaGltZ_i_mchB6hpzHTXrVLuJjqMk8ar7poIVFnSnUT9Ie-CjqQJVMY2r9lhj2CFshRBGENnRMsAYI/s1600/carstationslogo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEjIfFaCiu5WbD0-fAHVuB_4R-rrb6PNFTYBpjNFfyFyyZAJAum0TAT7_fsY8dVaaGltZ_i_mchB6hpzHTXrVLuJjqMk8ar7poIVFnSnUT9Ie-CjqQJVMY2r9lhj2CFshRBGENnRMsAYI/s1600/carstationslogo.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://carstations.com/about" target="_blank">CarStations </a>is a resource dedicated to the expansion and adoption of
cleaner vehicles. By providing Google Maps and vehicle charging station
details, users can quickly locate and engage with stations and drivers
near them. </span></span><br />
<div>
</div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">CarStations is completely free and provides details on all types of
information regarding electric vehicles. This website is designed to
encourage participation and welcomes user interaction in the form of
comments, updates and user generated content. </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span><br />
<div>
</div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">
</span></span></span>
<br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-wGfPaTdcVjSQxRT-uejxi8ebKDeahFNrEWn6yVmZqu1ez3VDkISRM1InJToeOyc5sY60-VeyvQpKjjvYjlunj_KHsLWDfZ2t1_dZM7MRgcxpKQnIOFuyx5s9i8HUyA9vM1c1qM0fmPw/s1600/logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-wGfPaTdcVjSQxRT-uejxi8ebKDeahFNrEWn6yVmZqu1ez3VDkISRM1InJToeOyc5sY60-VeyvQpKjjvYjlunj_KHsLWDfZ2t1_dZM7MRgcxpKQnIOFuyx5s9i8HUyA9vM1c1qM0fmPw/s1600/logo.png" /></a></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">
</span></span></span>
<div>
</div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">
<div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">RECARGO has two EV apps. One is called PlugShare which is a free application for iOS, Android,
and web that allows users to find charging stations and connect with
other plug-in vehicle owners. PlugShare now includes over 20,000
charging stations in the United States and Canada. Visit PlugShare at <a class="linked color-blue" href="http://www.plugshare.com/" target="_blank">www.plugshare.com</a> to download the iPhone/iPad or Android app. </span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The <a href="http://www.recargo.com/search" target="_blank">Recargo Station Finder</a> allows EV drivers to find electric vehicle charging stations, search for food and
activities on a trip with Yelp, and stay connected with the Recargo
community and news from PluginCars.com. </span></span></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">
</span></span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3oyVm09G_AJGuX6-zsDmevXi9-oLgdJqd4cyPdn6Wo4vHWbAmu3Qx6-f8ZjsdMCmv7yzhgy37jFtawRY-VA1w0KVbWkF65NNdhHEJzSBaUzIjnE22wAYmNs3YNte5cRsBi3azKHoJCDE/s1600/blink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3oyVm09G_AJGuX6-zsDmevXi9-oLgdJqd4cyPdn6Wo4vHWbAmu3Qx6-f8ZjsdMCmv7yzhgy37jFtawRY-VA1w0KVbWkF65NNdhHEJzSBaUzIjnE22wAYmNs3YNte5cRsBi3azKHoJCDE/s320/blink.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">If you are a member of the <span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.blinknetwork.com/" target="_blank">Blink Network</a> you can </span></span></span>charge up at Blink locations.
Memberships are free with no annual fee or prepayment required. Blink EV charging station locations can be found on the <a href="https://www.blinknetwork.com/blinkMap.html" target="_blank">Blink Map.</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim5vyyPzpdLzw-14hx3Nl0bGC1GBlK3kEobrue6Vteb3xlo8Bpt8tCaiSnyqrFldXYjcQSfnWzBdLNEHzwQP7as3earSWn64ade_j8S7-nLpNVIsBQbvaeMGGk9qfTVXBTT1cjpOuaE4g/s1600/charge-point-logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim5vyyPzpdLzw-14hx3Nl0bGC1GBlK3kEobrue6Vteb3xlo8Bpt8tCaiSnyqrFldXYjcQSfnWzBdLNEHzwQP7as3earSWn64ade_j8S7-nLpNVIsBQbvaeMGGk9qfTVXBTT1cjpOuaE4g/s1600/charge-point-logo.png" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span></span><br /></div>
</span><div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.coulombtech.com/" target="_blank">Coulomb's</a>
ChargePoint app locates EV charging stations across the U.S. but only for Coulomb-branded ch</span>arge stations. The app is free and can be used for android and iphones</span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">.</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>NOTE: This post was written during my participation in</b></span><i> </i></span></span><b>The <span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://pressroom.toyota.com/releases/toyota+eco-savvy+influencers+2013+prius+mpg+challenge.htm" target="_blank">2013 Toyota Prius Plug-in MPG Challenge</a>.</span></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">From July 12th to Aug 12th, I will be driving a Prius Plug-In Hybrid as part of the <a href="http://pressroom.toyota.com/releases/toyota+eco-savvy+influencers+2013+prius+mpg+challenge.htm" target="_blank">2013 Toyota Prius Plug-in MPG Challenge</a>.</span> Toyota
has partnered with seven prolific environmental influencers (myself included) from the
tri-state area for Wave Two of the 2013 Prius Plug-In MPG Challenge – a
fun competition to help educate local communities on the benefits of
electric vehicles. The winner of the challenge will receive a $2,500 donation to the charity of their choice. </span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">(Check out #Pluginforcharity on Facebook and Twitter.)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The charity I am competing for is New York-based <a href="http://www.waterkeeper.org/" target="_blank">Waterkeeper Alliance</a>, a global movement of
on-the-water advocates who patrol and protect over 100,000 miles of rivers,
streams and coastlines in North and South America, Europe, Australia, Asia and
Africa.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace: none;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnWXPDA4KAlqsqnzcbbakxcizE-ZhKJ-pDRifdG2_7mJU-o7DVH1k4rtB2ny30VWouJJyFg1oc99i_ncohyswuh3rahjvsCTvnqhWlZVsNpNmVW3Sy5aJJuv25xv-cJsVD58JXlPUjaeQ/s1600/waterkeeper+alliance+logo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnWXPDA4KAlqsqnzcbbakxcizE-ZhKJ-pDRifdG2_7mJU-o7DVH1k4rtB2ny30VWouJJyFg1oc99i_ncohyswuh3rahjvsCTvnqhWlZVsNpNmVW3Sy5aJJuv25xv-cJsVD58JXlPUjaeQ/s320/waterkeeper+alliance+logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: xx-small;">
</span><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">I would like to thank Earth Day NY for facilitating my participation in the Prius Plug-in MPG Challenge in NYC. </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/EarthDayNewYork" target="_blank">Check out Earth Day NY on Facebook.</a></span><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">And,<a href="http://www.starwoodhotels.com/element/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3361" target="_blank"> <b>a big shout out to Element, Times Square West</b></a> for providing hotel accommodations while I am in NYC for the challenge.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERa_ydjVeCUieJCNCFBj322hNQfUJdHF8ODUd_Zs42EwWHgXNf1JnqRYBzafIVUJzlCF0M58BGmMyXxyqq_Q0nRCfI2a81MMECBJRg6ELk30by0JrczB_NIfi8CJ92gb5zqX-i8-yDfY/s1600/element+logo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERa_ydjVeCUieJCNCFBj322hNQfUJdHF8ODUd_Zs42EwWHgXNf1JnqRYBzafIVUJzlCF0M58BGmMyXxyqq_Q0nRCfI2a81MMECBJRg6ELk30by0JrczB_NIfi8CJ92gb5zqX-i8-yDfY/s320/element+logo.jpg" width="293" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> Copyright 2013 Paul E McGinniss</span></div>
</span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"></span>Paul McGinnisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10597274577419581029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8332772528167165351.post-81102176692298262762013-07-25T19:02:00.000-07:002013-07-25T19:04:14.192-07:00The eGallon: How Much Cheaper Is It To Drive On Electricity?<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="small"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The New eGallon tool at US Department of Energy helps consumers know how much it costs to drive an EV the same distance one can travel on a gallon of gasoline</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="small" style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span> </span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_rUs5u7V2Umq_TEJrz7vutf_y5HFqvpL0VyP-Cq3EA9WOQKfI4Y5Y7ElC4VOJhDEADnu_X-ROFMZh3el_ljdpa20NkqyrOEPHjasaHV7Z2ietSJlDUHym0xLYywKAY1njHrM6sT7P0Gc/s1600/egallon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_rUs5u7V2Umq_TEJrz7vutf_y5HFqvpL0VyP-Cq3EA9WOQKfI4Y5Y7ElC4VOJhDEADnu_X-ROFMZh3el_ljdpa20NkqyrOEPHjasaHV7Z2ietSJlDUHym0xLYywKAY1njHrM6sT7P0Gc/s400/egallon.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="small" style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> eGallon from US Department of Energy </span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="small">Philip Proefrock<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>at EcoGeek tipped me off today that</span><span class="small" style="font-style: italic;"> </span><span class="innerdesc">The United States Department of Energy (USDOE) has introduced a new web tool to help consumers compare the cost to drive an electric
vehicle (or hybrid in electric mode) versus a conventional gasoline
vehicle.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="innerdesc">This is great news. Because, for most of us, purchasing an EV is not just about saving the environment by having cleaner transportation options, but also about saving money on the cost of transportation. And, it was not that easy to compare the cost of electricity to charge EVs to the fuel costs at the pump and understand which was the better deal.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span class="innerdesc">According to the USDOE egallon methodology, if one took the average price paid for electricity in the USA and applied the eGallon approach,</span> it costs about $1.22 to drive an EV the same distance that a vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine (ICE) can travel on a gallon of gasoline. </span></span><br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">The eGallon web site states:</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i> </i> </span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">"The price of an eGallon tells consumers how much it costs to drive an EV
the same distance you could go on a gallon of unleaded gasoline in a
similar car. It’s that simple. We take the average distance that a
gasoline-powered vehicle can drive on a gallon of gas (28.2 miles for
comparable 2012 model year cars), and then calculate how much it would
cost to drive the average EV that same distance. Because electricity
prices are a little different state to state, our eGallon tool shows how
much an eGallon costs in your state, and compares it to the cost of
gasoline. As you can see, on average, fueling your car with gasoline
costs roughly 3 times more than fueling with electricity."</span></span></span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">EVs sound sweet indeed! </span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: black;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm8rfc2o3mz5SB14AvNuYUb0C7-fF6IVNA2iB7DzoJW_AoKEBFf3RwvFsYXsgS_sfrWA_V2PQo4fAUkciL6fQ4si8lt02PpJIOmsWlDwvxxXXhzVxEE3kDtxz_Jmbz75Pslt1kG6oHFHU/s1600/Cunha-lookg-S.E.-Wide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm8rfc2o3mz5SB14AvNuYUb0C7-fF6IVNA2iB7DzoJW_AoKEBFf3RwvFsYXsgS_sfrWA_V2PQo4fAUkciL6fQ4si8lt02PpJIOmsWlDwvxxXXhzVxEE3kDtxz_Jmbz75Pslt1kG6oHFHU/s400/Cunha-lookg-S.E.-Wide.jpg" width="400" /> </a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;"><b><i>Pic of solar PV car port is via Phatenenergy.com</i></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Now, what we really need to do is focus on creating cleaner sources of electricity. For instance, solar PV and wind power to "fuel" all those electric vehicles will not only emit less pollution than combustion engines, but the way the electricity is generated will also be super clean and green. (As opposed to nasty coal-fired power plants, for certain.)</span></span></span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Here's to putting the power generation into the hands of the people. The more solar PV and wind turbines we install to charge our EVs at home, the better.</span></span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>C</i>heck out <a href="http://energy.gov/articles/egallon-how-much-cheaper-it-drive-electricity" target="_blank">eGallon</a> at the<i> USDOE Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy News</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="innerdesc"></span></span></span></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>NOTE: This post was written during my participation in</b></span><i> </i></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><b>The <span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://pressroom.toyota.com/releases/toyota+eco-savvy+influencers+2013+prius+mpg+challenge.htm" target="_blank">2013 Toyota Prius Plug-in MPG Challenge</a>.</span></span></span></b></span></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">From July 12th to Aug 12th, I will be driving a Prius Plug-In Hybrid as part of the <a href="http://pressroom.toyota.com/releases/toyota+eco-savvy+influencers+2013+prius+mpg+challenge.htm" target="_blank">2013 Toyota Prius Plug-in MPG Challenge</a>.</span> Toyota
has partnered with seven prolific environmental influencers (myself included) from the
tri-state area for Wave Two of the 2013 Prius Plug-In MPG Challenge – a
fun competition to help educate local communities on the benefits of
electric vehicles. The winner of the challenge will receive a $2,500 donation to the charity of their choice. </span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">(Check out #Pluginforcharity on Facebook and Twitter.)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The charity I am competing for is New York-based <a href="http://www.waterkeeper.org/" target="_blank">Waterkeeper Alliance</a>, a global movement of
on-the-water advocates who patrol and protect over 100,000 miles of rivers,
streams and coastlines in North and South America, Europe, Australia, Asia and
Africa.</span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace: none;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnWXPDA4KAlqsqnzcbbakxcizE-ZhKJ-pDRifdG2_7mJU-o7DVH1k4rtB2ny30VWouJJyFg1oc99i_ncohyswuh3rahjvsCTvnqhWlZVsNpNmVW3Sy5aJJuv25xv-cJsVD58JXlPUjaeQ/s1600/waterkeeper+alliance+logo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnWXPDA4KAlqsqnzcbbakxcizE-ZhKJ-pDRifdG2_7mJU-o7DVH1k4rtB2ny30VWouJJyFg1oc99i_ncohyswuh3rahjvsCTvnqhWlZVsNpNmVW3Sy5aJJuv25xv-cJsVD58JXlPUjaeQ/s320/waterkeeper+alliance+logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: xx-small;">
</span><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">I would like to thank Earth Day NY for facilitating my participation in the Prius Plug-in MPG Challenge in NYC. </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/EarthDayNewYork" target="_blank">Check out Earth Day NY on Facebook.</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">And,<a href="http://www.starwoodhotels.com/element/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3361" target="_blank"> <b>a big shout out to Element, Times Square West</b></a> for providing hotel accommodations while I am in NYC for the challenge.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERa_ydjVeCUieJCNCFBj322hNQfUJdHF8ODUd_Zs42EwWHgXNf1JnqRYBzafIVUJzlCF0M58BGmMyXxyqq_Q0nRCfI2a81MMECBJRg6ELk30by0JrczB_NIfi8CJ92gb5zqX-i8-yDfY/s1600/element+logo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERa_ydjVeCUieJCNCFBj322hNQfUJdHF8ODUd_Zs42EwWHgXNf1JnqRYBzafIVUJzlCF0M58BGmMyXxyqq_Q0nRCfI2a81MMECBJRg6ELk30by0JrczB_NIfi8CJ92gb5zqX-i8-yDfY/s320/element+logo.jpg" width="293" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i> </i></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Copyright 2013 Paul E McGinniss </span></i></span></span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
Paul McGinnisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10597274577419581029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8332772528167165351.post-48580448157055614542013-07-22T12:55:00.004-07:002013-07-22T13:17:13.917-07:00Meira Blaustein, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Woodstock Film Festival, Strikes a Pose with My Prius Plug-In Hybrid<span style="font-size: small;">Woodstock, NY, My Latest Stop during the <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://pressroom.toyota.com/releases/toyota+eco-savvy+influencers+2013+prius+mpg+challenge.htm" target="_blank">2013 Toyota Prius Plug-In MPG Challenge</a>.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHpmt9vOev8W0usssWrjkZ3sx7Ojhg09bkgZLHeY3UmuOZ8gehxqVgCJxc1_VhMIa6grlEwqPz-DvYp8Nw_kdH1BXIPllvu2NeBWhtt9MbFXQZL6C8EePXJ_aoExa8HxdnvAjCCiZerYQ/s1600/meira+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHpmt9vOev8W0usssWrjkZ3sx7Ojhg09bkgZLHeY3UmuOZ8gehxqVgCJxc1_VhMIa6grlEwqPz-DvYp8Nw_kdH1BXIPllvu2NeBWhtt9MbFXQZL6C8EePXJ_aoExa8HxdnvAjCCiZerYQ/s400/meira+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><b>Meira Blaustein, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Woodstock Film Festival</b></i><br />
<br />
I love the tranquil beauty and stunning scenery of the Hudson Valley of New York, Ulster County, in particular where I happen to reside. And, one of the things I love the most about this spectacularly inspiring area is the wonderful <a href="http://www.woodstockfilmfestival.com/" target="_blank">Woodstock Film Festival</a> which takes place in and around the eclectic (and electric), historic little Village of Woodstock every fall. (They don't call Woodstock the "Colony of the Arts" for nothing as it has been attracting creative artists and performers since the late 19th Century.)<br />
<br />
I have been lucky to regularly attend the Woodstock Film Festival as a writer/journalist in the past years, allowing me to see important films before they are released to the public. Last year, for instance, I saw the stunning film "Chasing Ice" and I was so blown away by this film about our melting ice caps that I wrote this article about it for EcoWatch:<a href="http://ecowatch.com/2012/chasing-ice-ground-zero/" rel="bookmark"> Chasing Ice: Ground Zero of Climate Change</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqm1HK28I3L6JtOjN2nrYzt3wdvohWKyvfEO3Tp6G84bbopPMD-_580Q-tJ-XQYArqpOyt9aXf1zhNxGGQegOVg6UN2-ZswqP6S4Hi4iBtmMh1QAqJpCBtDktSIJv23a88mvJ3peNhGKU/s1600/meira+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqm1HK28I3L6JtOjN2nrYzt3wdvohWKyvfEO3Tp6G84bbopPMD-_580Q-tJ-XQYArqpOyt9aXf1zhNxGGQegOVg6UN2-ZswqP6S4Hi4iBtmMh1QAqJpCBtDktSIJv23a88mvJ3peNhGKU/s400/meira+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><i>Meira Blausten, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Woodstock Film Festival outside the festival's headquarters in Woodstock.</i></b><br />
<br />
<br />
At the 2011Woodstock Film Festival I saw the thought-provoking film, "Cape Spin", and wrote a well-received post on this blog after interviewing the filmmakers at the Colony Cafe in Woodstock. The Colony has been a vital presence in Woodstock since 1929 and serves as a hip hub for the festival participants when they are in town.<br />
<br />
You can check out my post: <a href="http://www.thenewyorkgreenadvocate.com/2011/09/woodstock-film-festival-premier-of-cape.html" target="_blank">Woodstock Film Festival Premier of "Cape Spin: An American Power Struggle" - Epic Battle Over"Clean Energy Becomes Entertaining Film Platform Exploring Ups and Downs of America's Energy Future. </a> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYaN1DChB7CIvVhbMZA20Kj2Xe26SYhYQ2DmC1Eo7LzjcXcsSZJUXivD4x6lChed4kG6ANUkyGcwr4QRF_fs71kXOtPKvHMP5QPRI6tXmGVt-rAQsrGw69Qcb9Knl0YugwbpV6-GAha1E/s1600/meira+%2526+Paul+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYaN1DChB7CIvVhbMZA20Kj2Xe26SYhYQ2DmC1Eo7LzjcXcsSZJUXivD4x6lChed4kG6ANUkyGcwr4QRF_fs71kXOtPKvHMP5QPRI6tXmGVt-rAQsrGw69Qcb9Knl0YugwbpV6-GAha1E/s400/meira+%2526+Paul+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><i> Meira Blaustein and I talking about the upcoming 2013 Woodstock Film Festival which</i></b><br />
<b><i>will take place in October</i></b>.<br />
<br />
Coincidentally, Toyota is also a sponsor of the Woodstock Film Festival. Meira told me when I spoke to her: "As Toyota's Prius was a sponsor of the 2012 Woodstock Film Festival, it
was the vehicle of choice during the run of the festival for some of our
VIPs and staff, myself included. We all love the Prius and look forward
to a continued relationship with it this year and in the years to come. "<br />
<br />
Meira Blaustein and her fellow co-founder of the Woodstock Film Festival, Laurent Rejto, have been major forces behind the Hudson Valley becoming a hot spot for filmmaking. They played an integral role in the establishment of the Hudson Valley Film Commission, (HVFC), which is affiliated with the Woodstock Film festival.<br />
<br />
For
the past 14 years, HVFC has positioned the Hudson Valley as a prominent
venue for film, television and associated hi-tech activity within New
York State by attracting working producers, directors, industry
personnel and new businesses that in turn use the local communities for
production purposes.<br />
<br />
The HVFC reported this summer that it <span class="font14NORMAL">has been working with a record number of film productions in 2013. As of June, 85 projects have been in contact
with the film office for support including 11 Feature
Films, TV Shows, Shorts, Music Videos, Industrials, Documentaries, and
Photo Shoots.</span> Celebrities enjoying Hudson Valley productions include Sam Rockwell (Iron
Man 2), Nick Damici (Stake Land), Brian Geraghty (The Hurt Locker),
Mariss Tomei (The Wrestler), Max Minghella (The Social Network), Tina
Louise (Gilligan's Island), Tom Noonan (Damages), Jason Ritter
(Parenthood) and Rhinebeck native Emma Roberts.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ZfwzuV6mR_n98VfodK9YpN9Pknss_-r7fUKJ9Eo-6opU_ykawdGswjAmdafev_g7fsbeEVVQ9Oj5xz3jRrJHeINUgdcW2yLudiKrgZDGj_Qu9JFpLys2HSfRu1yQPe3JVsUZFb0Wetk/s1600/posters.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ZfwzuV6mR_n98VfodK9YpN9Pknss_-r7fUKJ9Eo-6opU_ykawdGswjAmdafev_g7fsbeEVVQ9Oj5xz3jRrJHeINUgdcW2yLudiKrgZDGj_Qu9JFpLys2HSfRu1yQPe3JVsUZFb0Wetk/s1600/posters.gif" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Some of the Many Films Shot in the Hudson Valley</b></i> <i><b>of NY</b></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<a href="http://hudsonvalleyfilmcommission.org/films.html" target="_blank"><span class="style17"><b>Click here to see list <br />
of films
shot in the <br />
Hudson Valley-Catskills</b></span></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #4c4c4c;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Background Info On The <span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://pressroom.toyota.com/releases/toyota+eco-savvy+influencers+2013+prius+mpg+challenge.htm" target="_blank">2013 Toyota Prius Plug-in MPG Challenge</a>.</span></span></span></b></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">From July 12th to Aug 12th, I will be driving a Prius Plug-In Hybrid as part of the <a href="http://pressroom.toyota.com/releases/toyota+eco-savvy+influencers+2013+prius+mpg+challenge.htm" target="_blank">2013 Toyota Prius Plug-in MPG Challenge</a>.</span> Toyota
has partnered with seven prolific environmental influencers (myself included) from the
tri-state area for Wave Two of the 2013 Prius Plug-In MPG Challenge – a
fun competition to help educate local communities on the benefits of
electric vehicles. The winner of the challenge will receive a $2,500 donation to the charity of their choice. </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">(Check out #Pluginforcharity on Facebook and Twitter.)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The charity I am competing for is New York-based <a href="http://www.waterkeeper.org/" target="_blank">Waterkeeper Alliance</a>, a global movement of
on-the-water advocates who patrol and protect over 100,000 miles of rivers,
streams and coastlines in North and South America, Europe, Australia, Asia and
Africa.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace: none;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnWXPDA4KAlqsqnzcbbakxcizE-ZhKJ-pDRifdG2_7mJU-o7DVH1k4rtB2ny30VWouJJyFg1oc99i_ncohyswuh3rahjvsCTvnqhWlZVsNpNmVW3Sy5aJJuv25xv-cJsVD58JXlPUjaeQ/s1600/waterkeeper+alliance+logo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnWXPDA4KAlqsqnzcbbakxcizE-ZhKJ-pDRifdG2_7mJU-o7DVH1k4rtB2ny30VWouJJyFg1oc99i_ncohyswuh3rahjvsCTvnqhWlZVsNpNmVW3Sy5aJJuv25xv-cJsVD58JXlPUjaeQ/s320/waterkeeper+alliance+logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: xx-small;">
</span><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">I would like to thank Earth Day NY for facilitating my participation in the Prius Plug-in MPG Challenge in NYC. </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/EarthDayNewYork" target="_blank">Check out Earth Day NY on Facebook.</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">And,<a href="http://www.starwoodhotels.com/element/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3361" target="_blank"> <b>a big shout out to Element, Times Square West</b></a> for providing hotel accommodations while I am in NYC for the challenge.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERa_ydjVeCUieJCNCFBj322hNQfUJdHF8ODUd_Zs42EwWHgXNf1JnqRYBzafIVUJzlCF0M58BGmMyXxyqq_Q0nRCfI2a81MMECBJRg6ELk30by0JrczB_NIfi8CJ92gb5zqX-i8-yDfY/s1600/element+logo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERa_ydjVeCUieJCNCFBj322hNQfUJdHF8ODUd_Zs42EwWHgXNf1JnqRYBzafIVUJzlCF0M58BGmMyXxyqq_Q0nRCfI2a81MMECBJRg6ELk30by0JrczB_NIfi8CJ92gb5zqX-i8-yDfY/s320/element+logo.jpg" width="293" /></a></div>
<br />
Copyright 2013 Paul E McGinniss<br />
<table border="0" style="width: 1000px;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="font30BOLD" colspan="2"></td></tr>
<tr><td valign="bottom" width="681"></td><td align="center" width="309"><a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/h0u51ytdx660f7g/hvfc-logo.jpg" target="_blank"><span class="font12CAPTION">lick to download hi res photo </span></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" valign="top"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Paul McGinnisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10597274577419581029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8332772528167165351.post-1605775560823947152013-07-19T10:26:00.000-07:002013-07-19T11:11:44.872-07:00Video Interview With Russell Porter, Director of Sales for Element New York Times Square West<span style="font-size: small;">By Paul E McGinniss</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Hi Everyone! I am headed into NYC again as part of my travels for the Prius Plug-In-MPG Challenge for Charity. I will be staying again at Element New York Times Square West.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">On Tuesday night, July 23rd, I will, once again, be hosting the <a href="http://www.thenewyorkgreenadvocate.com/2013/07/green-drinks-nyc-spark-speaker-series.html" target="_blank">Green Drinks NYC SPARK Speaker Series which features this month Dr. Michael Finkelstein</a>, author of <b>"</b>77 Questions for Skillful Living."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The SPARK series is produced in partnership with <a href="http://www.themoderns.com/" target="_blank">The Moderns</a>.</span><br />
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
<span style="font-size: small;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.starwoodhotels.com/element/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3361" target="_blank"></a></span></span></h3>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Please check out the video interview below with<a href="http://youtu.be/vVBjX8aOWGY" target="_blank"> Russell Porter, Director of Sales for Element New York Times Square West. </a></span></span></h3>
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="225" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/vVBjX8aOWGY" width="400"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #4c4c4c;"> </span><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Background Info On the <span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://pressroom.toyota.com/releases/toyota+eco-savvy+influencers+2013+prius+mpg+challenge.htm" target="_blank">2013 Toyota Prius Plug-in-MPG Challenge</a>.</span></span></span></b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">From July 12th to Aug 12th, I will be driving a Prius Plug-In Hybrid as part of the <a href="http://pressroom.toyota.com/releases/toyota+eco-savvy+influencers+2013+prius+mpg+challenge.htm" target="_blank">2013 Toyota Prius Plug-in-MPG Challenge</a>.</span> Toyota
has partnered with seven prolific environmental influencers (myself included) from the
tri-state area for Wave Two of the 2013 Prius Plug-In-MPG Challenge – a
fun competition to help educate local communities on the benefits of
electric vehicles. The winner of the challenge will receive a $2,500 donation to the charity of their choice. </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">(Check out #Pluginforcharity on Facebook and Twitter.)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The charity I am competing for is New York-based <a href="http://www.waterkeeper.org/" target="_blank">Waterkeeper Alliance</a>, a global movement of
on-the-water advocates who patrol and protect over 100,000 miles of rivers,
streams and coastlines in North and South America, Europe, Australia, Asia and
Africa.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace: none;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnWXPDA4KAlqsqnzcbbakxcizE-ZhKJ-pDRifdG2_7mJU-o7DVH1k4rtB2ny30VWouJJyFg1oc99i_ncohyswuh3rahjvsCTvnqhWlZVsNpNmVW3Sy5aJJuv25xv-cJsVD58JXlPUjaeQ/s1600/waterkeeper+alliance+logo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnWXPDA4KAlqsqnzcbbakxcizE-ZhKJ-pDRifdG2_7mJU-o7DVH1k4rtB2ny30VWouJJyFg1oc99i_ncohyswuh3rahjvsCTvnqhWlZVsNpNmVW3Sy5aJJuv25xv-cJsVD58JXlPUjaeQ/s320/waterkeeper+alliance+logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: xx-small;">
</span><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">I would like to thank Earth Day NY for facilitating my participation in the Prius Plug-in-MPG Challenge in NYC. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/EarthDayNewYork" target="_blank">Check out Earth Day NY on Facebook.</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">And,<a href="http://www.starwoodhotels.com/element/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3361" target="_blank"> <b>a big shout out to Element, Times Square West</b></a> for providing hotel accommodations while I am in NYC for the challenge.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERa_ydjVeCUieJCNCFBj322hNQfUJdHF8ODUd_Zs42EwWHgXNf1JnqRYBzafIVUJzlCF0M58BGmMyXxyqq_Q0nRCfI2a81MMECBJRg6ELk30by0JrczB_NIfi8CJ92gb5zqX-i8-yDfY/s1600/element+logo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERa_ydjVeCUieJCNCFBj322hNQfUJdHF8ODUd_Zs42EwWHgXNf1JnqRYBzafIVUJzlCF0M58BGmMyXxyqq_Q0nRCfI2a81MMECBJRg6ELk30by0JrczB_NIfi8CJ92gb5zqX-i8-yDfY/s320/element+logo.jpg" width="293" /></a></div>
Paul McGinnisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10597274577419581029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8332772528167165351.post-10532078745642377352013-07-17T17:21:00.000-07:002013-07-18T08:08:55.654-07:00Green Drinks NYC SPARK Speaker Series with Dr. Michael Finkelstein July 23rd in NYC<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
As part of my journey with my Toyota Prius for the 2013 Prius Plug-In-MPG Challenge, I will be traveling to The Moderns in NYC to once again host the SPARK series, a collaboration between Green Drinks NYC and The Moderns.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGVwd9jmaJ7ivT2ugjvNwF3NxfHHD3hhEgWIYLt9Y8_Kjwj6nZ3rs5X_1E4C6dlR8uDLPypBNs-DzZY4gLFlSuehE2z9M8WCBFWSEb5Mp-yw9-Mf1eziWmO62qwXbBS-fZUm2MPYj5uog/s1600/margaret+dr+finklestein+at+Green+Drinks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGVwd9jmaJ7ivT2ugjvNwF3NxfHHD3hhEgWIYLt9Y8_Kjwj6nZ3rs5X_1E4C6dlR8uDLPypBNs-DzZY4gLFlSuehE2z9M8WCBFWSEb5Mp-yw9-Mf1eziWmO62qwXbBS-fZUm2MPYj5uog/s400/margaret+dr+finklestein+at+Green+Drinks.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Margaret Lydecker, founder Green Drinks NYC, with Dr Michael Finkelstein</b></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #4c4c4c; font-size: 16pt;">Join </span><span style="color: #22a407; font-size: 16pt;">Green Drinks NYC </span><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 16pt;">in partnership with </span><span style="color: #49b3ff; font-size: 16pt;"><b><a href="http://www.themoderns.com/" shape="rect" style="color: #49b3ff; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">The Moderns</a> </b></span><span style="color: #4c4c4c; font-size: 16pt;"><b>for our </b></span><br />
<div style="color: #323232; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<div style="display: inline !important;">
<span style="color: #22a407; font-size: 18pt;"><b style="font-size: 18pt;"><span style="color: #63c427; font-size: 20pt;">SPARK Speaker Series</span></b></span></div>
<span style="color: #22a407; font-size: 18pt;"><b style="font-size: 18pt;">
</b></span></div>
<div style="color: #323232; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt;">
<span style="color: #22a407;"><b>
</b></span>
<br />
<div style="display: inline !important;">
<span style="color: #22a407;"><b><span style="color: #63c427;"> </span></b></span></div>
<span style="color: #22a407;"><b>
</b></span></div>
<div style="color: #4c0171; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">
<b>
</b>
<br />
<div style="display: inline !important;">
<b><b>
</b></b>
<br />
<div style="display: inline !important;">
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<b><b> <img align="left" border="0" height="156" hspace="5" name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.846" src="http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs155/1101495371543/img/846.png" vspace="5" width="104" /> </b></b><br />
<b><b>Featuring </b></b><br />
<b><b>Dr. Michael Finkelstein, Author of <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /><a href="http://www.drmichaelfinkelstein.com/" target="_blank">77 Questions for Skillful Living</a></span></b></b></div>
<b><b><span style="color: #4c4c4c; font-size: 11pt;">
</span></b></b>
<br />
<div>
<br />
<br />
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<b><b><span style="color: #4c4c4c; font-size: 11pt;">Integrative
medicine pioneer, Michael Finkelstein, M.D., will lead an interactive,
introspective discussion, exploring the questions that guide us to
achieving extraordinary health. If you have your own questions that
you'd like answered at the event, you can tweet them in advance to <span style="color: #3366ff;">@SkillfulDoctor</span>.</span></b></b></div>
</div>
<b><b><span style="color: #4c4c4c; font-size: 11pt;">
</span>
</b></b><br />
<div style="color: #8cce13;">
<br />
<b><b><b>Hosted by Paul E McGinniss</b></b></b></div>
<b><b>
</b></b></div>
<b><b>
</b></b></div>
<b>
</b></div>
<div style="color: #323232; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="font-size: 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div style="font-size: 10pt;">
<div>
<span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;">
</span></span></span>
<br />
<div style="font-size: 10pt;">
<div>
<div>
<span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black;">
</span></span></span></span>
<br />
<div class="entry">
<div style="color: #666666; font-size: 14pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Tuesday July 23, 2013</b></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #666666; font-size: 14pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black;"><b>6:30pm to 8:30pm</b></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #49b3ff; font-size: 16pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black;">
</span></span></span></span>
<br />
<div>
<span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black;">at <a href="http://www.themoderns.com/" shape="rect" style="color: #49b3ff; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">The Moderns</a><a href="http://www.themoderns.com/" target="_blank"> </a></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black;">
</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #49b3ff; font-size: 12pt;">
<div style="font-size: 14pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black;">900 Broadway, Suite 202, NYC</span></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black;"><i style="font-size: 12pt;"><b> <a class="imgCaptionAnchor" href="http://www.eventbrite.com/event/7274786081" shape="rect" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="82" hspace="5" name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.841" src="http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs155/1101495371543/img/841.jpg" vspace="5" width="258" /></a> </b></i></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black;">
</span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;">
</span></div>
Complimentary wine and healthy snacks! <br />
<br />
<span style="color: #4c4c4c;">
</span>
<br />
<div>
<span style="color: #4c4c4c;"><span style="color: #3366ff; font-size: 14pt;"><b>ABOUT:</b></span>
Dr. Finkelstein is the former Senior Vice President for Medical
Affairs and Chief of the Departments of Medicine and Integrative
Medicine at Northern Westchester Hospital in Mount Kisco, New York. He
then went on to pursue a more intuitive and holistic approach, as the
founder and director of wellness center SunRaven. A nationally
recognized author, radio show host, inspirational speaker and blogger,
his concept of "Skillful Living" advises that the business of living
must be developed, like a skill, with mindful, dedicated attention.
You can learn more about his work at <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001DhKhG-zTCoTG8j-M-RkzZ_FA_ZSCQGReeler6AmMLZp6EJ6IFqsT6iSHwwnuFowwGeY0PCGcP_Yg8tYfNQ6AcOQRKul7FfQLKbL-2cXiTteRh1eU9O2wyiSo7uPEAkIg" shape="rect" style="color: #3366ff; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">drmichaelfinkelstein.com</a>.</span></div>
<span style="color: #4c4c4c;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: #4c4c4c;">As
his University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine classmate, Dr.
Mehmet Oz, says, "Michael Finkelstein is an astute physician and
clinician who treats the illness AND the patient," and "Dr. Finkelstein
masterfully guides us through the 77 questions that connect the dots
of our lives." </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #4c4c4c;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Background Info On the <span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://pressroom.toyota.com/releases/toyota+eco-savvy+influencers+2013+prius+mpg+challenge.htm" target="_blank">2013 Toyota Prius Plug-in-MPG Challenge</a>.</span></span></span></b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">From July 12th to Aug 12th, I will be driving a Prius Plug-In Hybrid as part of the <a href="http://pressroom.toyota.com/releases/toyota+eco-savvy+influencers+2013+prius+mpg+challenge.htm" target="_blank">2013 Toyota Prius Plug-in-MPG Challenge</a>.</span> Toyota
has partnered with seven prolific environmental influencers (myself included) from the
tri-state area for Wave Two of the 2013 Prius Plug-In-MPG Challenge – a
fun competition to help educate local communities on the benefits of
electric vehicles. The winner of the challenge will receive a $2,500 donation to the charity of their choice. </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">(Check out #Pluginforcharity on Facebook and Twitter.)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The charity I am competing for is New York-based <a href="http://www.waterkeeper.org/" target="_blank">Waterkeeper Alliance</a>, a global movement of
on-the-water advocates who patrol and protect over 100,000 miles of rivers,
streams and coastlines in North and South America, Europe, Australia, Asia and
Africa.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace: none;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnWXPDA4KAlqsqnzcbbakxcizE-ZhKJ-pDRifdG2_7mJU-o7DVH1k4rtB2ny30VWouJJyFg1oc99i_ncohyswuh3rahjvsCTvnqhWlZVsNpNmVW3Sy5aJJuv25xv-cJsVD58JXlPUjaeQ/s1600/waterkeeper+alliance+logo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnWXPDA4KAlqsqnzcbbakxcizE-ZhKJ-pDRifdG2_7mJU-o7DVH1k4rtB2ny30VWouJJyFg1oc99i_ncohyswuh3rahjvsCTvnqhWlZVsNpNmVW3Sy5aJJuv25xv-cJsVD58JXlPUjaeQ/s320/waterkeeper+alliance+logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: xx-small;">
</span><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">I would like to thank Earth Day NY for facilitating my participation in the Prius Plug-in-MPG Challenge in NYC. </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/EarthDayNewYork" target="_blank">Check out Earth Day NY on Facebook.</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">And,<a href="http://www.starwoodhotels.com/element/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3361" target="_blank"> <b>a big shout out to Element, Times Square West</b></a> for providing hotel accommodations while I am in NYC for the challenge.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERa_ydjVeCUieJCNCFBj322hNQfUJdHF8ODUd_Zs42EwWHgXNf1JnqRYBzafIVUJzlCF0M58BGmMyXxyqq_Q0nRCfI2a81MMECBJRg6ELk30by0JrczB_NIfi8CJ92gb5zqX-i8-yDfY/s1600/element+logo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERa_ydjVeCUieJCNCFBj322hNQfUJdHF8ODUd_Zs42EwWHgXNf1JnqRYBzafIVUJzlCF0M58BGmMyXxyqq_Q0nRCfI2a81MMECBJRg6ELk30by0JrczB_NIfi8CJ92gb5zqX-i8-yDfY/s320/element+logo.jpg" width="293" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: #4c4c4c;">Copyright 2013 Paul E McGinniss </span></div>
Paul McGinnisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10597274577419581029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8332772528167165351.post-48326257056782500172013-07-16T17:24:00.000-07:002013-07-16T17:24:36.021-07:00On The Road: The New York Green Advocate Visits an Old Dairy Farm Creamery Turned Art Studio with Dwell-Like Chicken Coop in Accord, Ulster County, NY<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnEmJ2hSmfbUvYDwHmJgUj-8Jq3Cwa5M0g8c7jlitvadnMlD3eV0Y2k7JF7auc_HvYhgFV8f1mG2XGsSpvGOMhBi2acperltpfR0QO8D5PipemLl4HGqnUncwRIN8IbBcvZYiuGrv-6JY/s1600/Prius+at+creamery+1+DSC_0280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnEmJ2hSmfbUvYDwHmJgUj-8Jq3Cwa5M0g8c7jlitvadnMlD3eV0Y2k7JF7auc_HvYhgFV8f1mG2XGsSpvGOMhBi2acperltpfR0QO8D5PipemLl4HGqnUncwRIN8IbBcvZYiuGrv-6JY/s400/Prius+at+creamery+1+DSC_0280.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>The "chic" chicken coop is just to the right and behind the Prius </b></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ahh, free range chickens never had it so good. A recent trip in the Prius Plug-In to <a href="http://www.postlets.com/repb/9458684">an old dairy farm creamery turned Warhol-like art factory that we are selling for a client</a> gave us a laugh when the spoiled, well-fed chickens who live in a hand-built, Dwell-magazine-like chicken coop followed us around outside. (I have always wanted an entourage and I suppose chickens are a good start!)</span></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-X6zKUxB7HsSww0O8tiRY7NmJVTbKm3NE8lu43HXYS2h_4jY-z-RuN_V_GmanHjSA46Ovhep5aNvwisHizLCtpOlkbYQIw9YNQ3-NcLrhZ-Avu4RqXqEKNmA53gGQGIvuEWd1TC90zI8/s1600/fix2_DSC_0267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-X6zKUxB7HsSww0O8tiRY7NmJVTbKm3NE8lu43HXYS2h_4jY-z-RuN_V_GmanHjSA46Ovhep5aNvwisHizLCtpOlkbYQIw9YNQ3-NcLrhZ-Avu4RqXqEKNmA53gGQGIvuEWd1TC90zI8/s400/fix2_DSC_0267.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Hey what is going on in there?</b></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">These artsy birds even peered into the cavernous kitchen area of this wonderful property, afraid they were missing out on the action inside. (Actually, they were hungrily eyeing the bananas on the table. I had no idea chickens liked bananas!!!)</span></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcVhNXDp2dKiEGG3WXvsI6WMHmvfcfllNGxYMKlvMO1-qKFmRYfvpSPrjRhy_bTZU-5xuf_HfZZE2sBJkZGs68LRmbZbSMO5tPotGLfV_GUzCeQ3LTBeX_hXLDRUPCFsOdlizVpoW23ak/s1600/entertain+w+kitchen+room+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcVhNXDp2dKiEGG3WXvsI6WMHmvfcfllNGxYMKlvMO1-qKFmRYfvpSPrjRhy_bTZU-5xuf_HfZZE2sBJkZGs68LRmbZbSMO5tPotGLfV_GUzCeQ3LTBeX_hXLDRUPCFsOdlizVpoW23ak/s400/entertain+w+kitchen+room+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Huge Kitchen and Dining Area in The Old Creamery</b></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDuj-xHxAx6SzmCpdTUb-rWiXjtsN8JvmTPzZP34YuT4LG8YFwAazSN-GCNZLHmeFQw66GUjBPW1RgVcc23HcgBJBnVTyTor3sxPXnsyLs7aHK1KmV8YKVeECWcP32O9UY85r7CiZqM6c/s1600/fix2_DSC_0268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDuj-xHxAx6SzmCpdTUb-rWiXjtsN8JvmTPzZP34YuT4LG8YFwAazSN-GCNZLHmeFQw66GUjBPW1RgVcc23HcgBJBnVTyTor3sxPXnsyLs7aHK1KmV8YKVeECWcP32O9UY85r7CiZqM6c/s400/fix2_DSC_0268.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Whattya mean I can't get in because I'm not on the guest list?</b></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you haven't been to the ever so beautiful and bountiful Accord, NY in Ulster County, I suggest you take a road trip to visit this little Hudson Valley hamlet. (It is actually cool because it is not...err.... too cool, yet, and still kinda shabby country chic around the edges, just like us "transplanted" locals like it.) </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The entire area in and around Accord and Ulster County, New York is full of hidden wonders, creative people of all stripes, incredible nature and recreational opportunities. For instance, nearby Accord you will find both the Mohonk Preserve and Minnewaska State Park, a combined 20,000 plus acres of preserved land with hiking and biking trails, waterfalls and glacial lakes for swimming. You might just fall in love with the place and find yourself raising poultry and sharing the plentiful bounty of eggs with your neighbors. It's been known to happen!!! </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwEzwgPA6OnLSVS3yjyCQjWtEVIfyVMo9RSm916Jns6oozIkOUXuBUNx3F7lLCqS-XnU1BadW5IMTt9n7KrfHCno42FVMZH0aE8EfJG5mdO9QoRhxLPc__9QLQbs-sfJIvRH4VmbhYp9s/s1600/DSC_0667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwEzwgPA6OnLSVS3yjyCQjWtEVIfyVMo9RSm916Jns6oozIkOUXuBUNx3F7lLCqS-XnU1BadW5IMTt9n7KrfHCno42FVMZH0aE8EfJG5mdO9QoRhxLPc__9QLQbs-sfJIvRH4VmbhYp9s/s320/DSC_0667.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMLf6g974N5z55oX0HDXDWdzttiXr0mPkcLA90KhhAhf3uop8rHq2lhw9J02xB0g6yYNrbmfEw_3pqjsImb5tfaiKuAkbPoLbti9cXF6vGk-c41ZDLlaYIgZ2_Sb-EH-JXR5gOjBlT1Mg/s1600/DSC_0653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMLf6g974N5z55oX0HDXDWdzttiXr0mPkcLA90KhhAhf3uop8rHq2lhw9J02xB0g6yYNrbmfEw_3pqjsImb5tfaiKuAkbPoLbti9cXF6vGk-c41ZDLlaYIgZ2_Sb-EH-JXR5gOjBlT1Mg/s320/DSC_0653.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>5,000 sf of space inside this building makes a great studio </i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Background Info On the <span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><a href="http://pressroom.toyota.com/releases/toyota+eco-savvy+influencers+2013+prius+mpg+challenge.htm" target="_blank">2013 Toyota Prius Plug-in-MPG Challenge</a>.</span></span></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">From July 12th to Aug 12th, I will be driving a Prius Plug-In Hybrid as part of the <a href="http://pressroom.toyota.com/releases/toyota+eco-savvy+influencers+2013+prius+mpg+challenge.htm" target="_blank">2013 Toyota Prius Plug-in-MPG Challenge</a>.</span> Toyota
has partnered with seven prolific environmental influencers (myself included) from the
tri-state area for Wave Two of the 2013 Prius Plug-In-MPG Challenge – a
fun competition to help educate local communities on the benefits of
electric vehicles. The winner of the challenge will receive a $2,500 donation to the charity of their choice. </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">(Check out #Pluginforcharity on Facebook and Twitter.)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace: none;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The charity I am competing for is New York-based <a href="http://www.waterkeeper.org/" target="_blank">Waterkeeper Alliance</a>, a global movement of
on-the-water advocates who patrol and protect over 100,000 miles of rivers,
streams and coastlines in North and South America, Europe, Australia, Asia and
Africa.</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnWXPDA4KAlqsqnzcbbakxcizE-ZhKJ-pDRifdG2_7mJU-o7DVH1k4rtB2ny30VWouJJyFg1oc99i_ncohyswuh3rahjvsCTvnqhWlZVsNpNmVW3Sy5aJJuv25xv-cJsVD58JXlPUjaeQ/s1600/waterkeeper+alliance+logo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnWXPDA4KAlqsqnzcbbakxcizE-ZhKJ-pDRifdG2_7mJU-o7DVH1k4rtB2ny30VWouJJyFg1oc99i_ncohyswuh3rahjvsCTvnqhWlZVsNpNmVW3Sy5aJJuv25xv-cJsVD58JXlPUjaeQ/s320/waterkeeper+alliance+logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: xx-small;">
</span><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">I would like to thank Earth Day NY for facilitating my participation in the Prius Plug-in-MPG Challenge in NYC. </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/EarthDayNewYork" target="_blank">Check out Earth Day NY on Facebook.</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">And,<a href="http://www.starwoodhotels.com/element/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3361" target="_blank"> <b>a big shout out to Element, Times Square West</b></a> for providing hotel accommodations while I am in NYC for the challenge.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERa_ydjVeCUieJCNCFBj322hNQfUJdHF8ODUd_Zs42EwWHgXNf1JnqRYBzafIVUJzlCF0M58BGmMyXxyqq_Q0nRCfI2a81MMECBJRg6ELk30by0JrczB_NIfi8CJ92gb5zqX-i8-yDfY/s1600/element+logo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERa_ydjVeCUieJCNCFBj322hNQfUJdHF8ODUd_Zs42EwWHgXNf1JnqRYBzafIVUJzlCF0M58BGmMyXxyqq_Q0nRCfI2a81MMECBJRg6ELk30by0JrczB_NIfi8CJ92gb5zqX-i8-yDfY/s320/element+logo.jpg" width="293" /></a></div>
Copyright 2013 Paul E McGinnissPaul McGinnisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10597274577419581029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8332772528167165351.post-68264591358292518852013-07-15T17:28:00.004-07:002013-07-15T18:22:49.356-07:00On The Road with the Prius Plug-in Hybrid: Spotlight on Urban Agriculture in Red Hook, Brooklyn, NY<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">by Paul E McGinniss</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">After picking up our Prius for the <span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"> <a href="http://pressroom.toyota.com/releases/toyota+eco-savvy+influencers+2013+prius+mpg+challenge.htm" target="_blank">2013 Toyota Prius Plug-in-MPG Challenge</a>, Pamela Lippe, Executive Director and President of Earth Day, NY, and I decided to cruise over to Red Hook, Brooklyn to check out two of New York City's coolest urban ag projects. I drove while Pam served as my trusty wingperson, navigating utilizing the Prius GPS system, and being fun and radiant company to boot. We were both like kids in a candy shop, not just because we were so excited to be part of this challenge for charities of our choice (see details below this post), but also because we knew we would be able to get to Red Hook from the East River in Lower Manhattan entirely by using only the Prius' battery power!</span> </span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin_AtApDZePOV5bgThU29-BTOeihHo_4atebN_TlEcBcJUrzapRhW6jV-InpglCXZS0lDH5ZcI646ZhuEoWX4lhjAszAU2__SYVAO-3DAtl48u9abA_6ehhcaiHxcg-TEPULOCjMiwIsE/s1600/Red+Hook+Community+Farm+Banner+123_1283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin_AtApDZePOV5bgThU29-BTOeihHo_4atebN_TlEcBcJUrzapRhW6jV-InpglCXZS0lDH5ZcI646ZhuEoWX4lhjAszAU2__SYVAO-3DAtl48u9abA_6ehhcaiHxcg-TEPULOCjMiwIsE/s320/Red+Hook+Community+Farm+Banner+123_1283.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>The Red Hook Community farm with an IKEA store to the right in the background</i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">But, before I take you all to Brooklyn, I wanted to sneak in a few pics from <a href="http://www.solar1.org/">Solar One</a>, where Pamela and I both picked up our individual Prius for the Challenge.</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQIGmWkFIcZ5DRRTVR49YQzx1SNbvrnThmeIKIg5lCTghU0KXZ5zjqdkbf_mC8U6mynKfVAI_8x7Qc2PXtaM3STCvaloZDQ-0S4fvWCqUd0fqatSn_-wHp7QYU6LvMhZbM9kL_-oPCCC4/s1600/margaret+lydecker+123_1271.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQIGmWkFIcZ5DRRTVR49YQzx1SNbvrnThmeIKIg5lCTghU0KXZ5zjqdkbf_mC8U6mynKfVAI_8x7Qc2PXtaM3STCvaloZDQ-0S4fvWCqUd0fqatSn_-wHp7QYU6LvMhZbM9kL_-oPCCC4/s400/margaret+lydecker+123_1271.jpg" width="225" /></a></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Green Force of Nature, Margaret Lydecker, founder of Green Drinks, NYC, at Solar One</i></b></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8K-ApF-7hlr9vx4ef0PgPQr0GQiWtElNfd4VCvF-YbCO80zav2Nuj8A_QGNi3_Jvi69t9PQvBz_kOxpZyqG_crL595eTKHegd0QMCIWhPhCaA4GIsHLVsw6EZgC9j8JcDK2FPsIzdBoY/s1600/123_1248a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8K-ApF-7hlr9vx4ef0PgPQr0GQiWtElNfd4VCvF-YbCO80zav2Nuj8A_QGNi3_Jvi69t9PQvBz_kOxpZyqG_crL595eTKHegd0QMCIWhPhCaA4GIsHLVsw6EZgC9j8JcDK2FPsIzdBoY/s320/123_1248a.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Ippolita</b> <b>di Paola, from Waterkeeper Alliance, Pamela Lippe and John Oppermann from Earth Day NY (Left to Right)</b></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">After we parked the Prius Plug-In in Brooklyn, Pamela and I entered through the gates of the 2.75 acre Red Hook Community Farm. What once had been a decaying, trash-strewn, concrete ball field was now an active farm with a group of diverse Brooklynites working together. Established in 2003, the farm is now a source of hyper local food and immense community pride. The farm was late in planting this season because it was still recovering from last year's Super Storm Sandy, which literally submerged the whole neighborhood and destroyed much of the farm. </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfVA6tBu5DAV8NeB2hakqZZMUUviyeUp3UlSDRbeLx4DzyYv2oyGyYkfX7HVW0xANLKtzFY6aF6zWVfejob1_keG55-LLIJfDKSp_iwLhYKIFWPtb9WibPhw1lOII1DxpF4MTsNNap6Xo/s1600/Red+Hook+Community+Farm+Enter+Sign+123_1290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfVA6tBu5DAV8NeB2hakqZZMUUviyeUp3UlSDRbeLx4DzyYv2oyGyYkfX7HVW0xANLKtzFY6aF6zWVfejob1_keG55-LLIJfDKSp_iwLhYKIFWPtb9WibPhw1lOII1DxpF4MTsNNap6Xo/s320/Red+Hook+Community+Farm+Enter+Sign+123_1290.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">But indeed, despite the flood from Super Storm Sandy, the acres of land we saw were well under way to being back on its feet as a working farm. This was due in no small part to the huge efforts of many people in the community who rallied together to overcome the devastation.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The juxtaposition of seeing this farm in the midst of such uber urban territory was somewhat surreal. Especially strange, the farm was just across the street from a huge blue box IKEA store. It was hard to tell which belonged there more, the immense retail outlet and the surrounding factories, or the farm. Hopefully, this co-mingling of agriculture and city industry and commerce will be the norm throughout the five boroughs of NYC in the very near future. For certain, the sometimes gritty, cold asphalt streets and the stone and metal buildings are softened by the earth and vegetation of a farm, making the city less harsh and more welcoming on many levels.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Importantly, urban farming and green roofs can help greatly in minimizing storm water run off, diminishing pollution from entering the waterways of New York. The farm and its porous surfaces absorb water, filter it and return rainwater to the aquifer unlike urban concrete, hard, non-porous surfaces.</span></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn8eupNZsGMAdVhE9QhqVV3QT1Altbq4n89YEU729vihnJ6WIaFygmDijrM58VChEsav9aSlj0NOdPdMwRtsZrUyYgwvvesDZMAW5ywZEO_l1aAnr41mVToB0zVRqeNqYdIFNrvOjsxnk/s1600/field+123_1285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn8eupNZsGMAdVhE9QhqVV3QT1Altbq4n89YEU729vihnJ6WIaFygmDijrM58VChEsav9aSlj0NOdPdMwRtsZrUyYgwvvesDZMAW5ywZEO_l1aAnr41mVToB0zVRqeNqYdIFNrvOjsxnk/s320/field+123_1285.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>The large raised field at Red Hook Community Farm filled with compost and fertile soil and being seeded</b></i>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">The Red Hook Community Farm in Brooklyn was established by the non-profit organization <a href="http://www.added-value.org/" target="_blank" title="Added Value">Added Value</a>
with the cooperation of Partnership for Parks, The New York City Department of Parks and Recreation.</span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span>Added
Value promotes the sustainable
development of Red Hook by nurturing a new generation of young leaders,
hosting a variety of youth-focused, green-jobs groups such as Green City
Force. The main initiatives of Added Value include farm-based learning, growing a
just food system, and empowering youth. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Added Value is a great title for the organization
because clearly the group adds tremendous value to the community and is
helping revitalize
local parks, transforming vacant lands into vibrant Urban Farms,
improving
access to healthy, safe and affordable food, and growing a local
economy that supports the needs of Brooklyn communities.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ian
Marvy, a co-founder, Executive Director of Added Value and a
resident of Red Hook, was honored for his work by Earth Day NY. <span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">John Oppermann, Deputy Director of Earth Day NY, told me </span></span>Earth Day New
York has taken groups of volunteers to help out both on the farm in Red
Hook and a flower farm that Added Value operated on Governors Island. </span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV8G9GwAbnBh9T7mzvG6mm0vGqSxYcbt6OoDShF5IaI1rvM-2oVsIjBhVMWK5mxaJUVHy4B7DskoitY2m4DzAVi-4L8eW95NpJmEb9nxOYResFoz87nXbyWd4LgKfdGl8RVGSfuc6Rpok/s1600/compost+1+123_1284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV8G9GwAbnBh9T7mzvG6mm0vGqSxYcbt6OoDShF5IaI1rvM-2oVsIjBhVMWK5mxaJUVHy4B7DskoitY2m4DzAVi-4L8eW95NpJmEb9nxOYResFoz87nXbyWd4LgKfdGl8RVGSfuc6Rpok/s320/compost+1+123_1284.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Red Hook Community Farm is a real working farm, lots of work for sure, but the pay off is more than worth it.</b></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">After we left the Red Hook Community farm, Pam and I walked over to the Red Hook Houses, NYC's largest public housing development. Here, more a<span style="color: black;">cres of underutilized land were being transformed into
another urban farm that will also educate and employ Brooklyn youth and provide fresh, local food for this urban enclave. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgODwk51Lfav8a9cvzYuvoCRSP934KVPG6jWRtiLNKDjT5gSrSxi_vSOMKQbWgxFypOOUGmjU2y62A-p71EcuIDlNnTjbH56L1jYH-D0SSpeUpx_C81chLfBil72oBHx0dI5Wmqhy2uBgk/s1600/garden+5+red+hook+123_1303.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgODwk51Lfav8a9cvzYuvoCRSP934KVPG6jWRtiLNKDjT5gSrSxi_vSOMKQbWgxFypOOUGmjU2y62A-p71EcuIDlNnTjbH56L1jYH-D0SSpeUpx_C81chLfBil72oBHx0dI5Wmqhy2uBgk/s320/garden+5+red+hook+123_1303.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>A View of the raised beds at Red Hook Houses</b></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The sprawling Red Hook Houses complex is spread out over 39 acres and has almost 3,000 apartments. Hopefully soon, the entire complex will be full of plantings for flowers and food to feed the residents and brighten the sometimes barren landscape of public housing into a beautiful landscape that will encourage the residents to participate in the farm initiative outside, even if just by eating healthy produce grown at their own doorsteps.</span></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-yFd-uDu2pt2Sty_NVAH5_c3npVcI26dVEkdkrivG-yIzs3m3dJIp0vYFpFkVSf4lp6TVzxPeTM23n-75vi7i-yUjZVhBnutn76OvWQId2FmwruMBHXBCWdqT11AXr2l-xt6fi64moos/s1600/Pamela+Lippe+Red+Hook+2+123_1298.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-yFd-uDu2pt2Sty_NVAH5_c3npVcI26dVEkdkrivG-yIzs3m3dJIp0vYFpFkVSf4lp6TVzxPeTM23n-75vi7i-yUjZVhBnutn76OvWQId2FmwruMBHXBCWdqT11AXr2l-xt6fi64moos/s320/Pamela+Lippe+Red+Hook+2+123_1298.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Pamela Lippe taking photos of the veggies growing at the new farm at <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">Red Hook Houses, Brooklyn’s
largest public housing development</span></span></b></i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The farm at the Red Hook Houses was funded by the Center for Economic Opportunity, a NYC agency, and launched in partnership with the non-profit Green City Workforce and <a href="http://added-value.org/" target="_blank">Added Value</a>.</span></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0vrndPEO5iHS6ZkvPov20VkTdG7GobpG29c1ij5eyzhWBsPPMus2tbys3TOWXKTj1cwAIQbTWaE0hsFgIrrdKJIABiSg490dyevZ48dN0o0AZi9qgs2l7OKAMxx5DWKK3WM7KqAHqip4/s1600/Red+Hook+text+4+of+4+123_1307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0vrndPEO5iHS6ZkvPov20VkTdG7GobpG29c1ij5eyzhWBsPPMus2tbys3TOWXKTj1cwAIQbTWaE0hsFgIrrdKJIABiSg490dyevZ48dN0o0AZi9qgs2l7OKAMxx5DWKK3WM7KqAHqip4/s320/Red+Hook+text+4+of+4+123_1307.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Inspiring Posters at Red Hook Houses in front of the composting area</b></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Seeing the colorful, hand-painted signs surrounding the composting area at the Red Hook Houses farm and the ever-expanding beds of plantings really lifted my spirits as Pamela and I explored the grounds. </span></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguwRJdQXJ06QdMTw6fN4oWY1Wg7gNqSzdiUMF5Q2boXBUIZ0YnFkJ75zDNSg4cIwtSpZwSEt_5T1jpAQLbXUTzeJ_8k1ideFGyqPYwoeJS2Z0E7CZStc3BH8oGgTrMGCNl1QILagTPWrA/s1600/garden+3+red+hook+123_1294.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguwRJdQXJ06QdMTw6fN4oWY1Wg7gNqSzdiUMF5Q2boXBUIZ0YnFkJ75zDNSg4cIwtSpZwSEt_5T1jpAQLbXUTzeJ_8k1ideFGyqPYwoeJS2Z0E7CZStc3BH8oGgTrMGCNl1QILagTPWrA/s320/garden+3+red+hook+123_1294.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Red Hook Houses produce</b></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The more areas of New York City that can adapt the lessons learned in Red Hook and execute a community ag plan of their own, the better.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Please check out the pictures below. And, do not miss the uplifting video at the end of this post about the Red Hook Community Farm. If you watch the video, you just might want to go out and get your hands in the dirt to plant a garden of your own. Or, better yet, invite a few neighbors who you might have passed on the street, but never had a chance to talk to when you were on the way home to eat take out food alone, to join you in planting a garden.</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOeKMtfmEYmvFR6Av7gNeMyUv6IRnu_Ua2W_wFsh02Lr1k3wz45C_ibdUByxu5iGnk8mbbtwWmLq-ZU_zyb_yEm4BfduMbTm9CbN8C-YdiUcXTI-My3zRtNqUKaYIAIhnc8juuwDtIZEg/s1600/Red+Hook+text+3+of+4+123_1306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOeKMtfmEYmvFR6Av7gNeMyUv6IRnu_Ua2W_wFsh02Lr1k3wz45C_ibdUByxu5iGnk8mbbtwWmLq-ZU_zyb_yEm4BfduMbTm9CbN8C-YdiUcXTI-My3zRtNqUKaYIAIhnc8juuwDtIZEg/s320/Red+Hook+text+3+of+4+123_1306.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>More Inspiration at the Red Hook Houses urban farm</b></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgODwk51Lfav8a9cvzYuvoCRSP934KVPG6jWRtiLNKDjT5gSrSxi_vSOMKQbWgxFypOOUGmjU2y62A-p71EcuIDlNnTjbH56L1jYH-D0SSpeUpx_C81chLfBil72oBHx0dI5Wmqhy2uBgk/s1600/garden+5+red+hook+123_1303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgODwk51Lfav8a9cvzYuvoCRSP934KVPG6jWRtiLNKDjT5gSrSxi_vSOMKQbWgxFypOOUGmjU2y62A-p71EcuIDlNnTjbH56L1jYH-D0SSpeUpx_C81chLfBil72oBHx0dI5Wmqhy2uBgk/s320/garden+5+red+hook+123_1303.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>A view of the raised beds at Red Hook Houses</i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBt4gRn2RQpBylkLkmcXxlVIcsbTjVvuMTyAuWECVjinhHl465uMThQgv5vvlNdTUdHH66ouSGrFdqq1ehTJIcJxSLj_RGj1L5PmNay5UnZ9_MESCPkO5WYnZ4Do4rvtarD-rh8WcaJVo/s1600/Red+Hook+Text+2+of+4+123_1305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBt4gRn2RQpBylkLkmcXxlVIcsbTjVvuMTyAuWECVjinhHl465uMThQgv5vvlNdTUdHH66ouSGrFdqq1ehTJIcJxSLj_RGj1L5PmNay5UnZ9_MESCPkO5WYnZ4Do4rvtarD-rh8WcaJVo/s320/Red+Hook+Text+2+of+4+123_1305.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Words to Live by at Red Hook Houses agricultural oasis in Brooklyn, NY</b></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Check out This Amazing Video About The Red Hook Community Farm<br />
(Double Click to Watch Full Screen)<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/LRNpPLc0CBU" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Background Info On the <span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><a href="http://pressroom.toyota.com/releases/toyota+eco-savvy+influencers+2013+prius+mpg+challenge.htm" target="_blank">2013 Toyota Prius Plug-in-MPG Challenge</a>.</span></span></span></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"> <span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">For the next 30 days (from July 12th to Aug 12th), I will be driving a Prius Plug-In Hybrid as part of the <a href="http://pressroom.toyota.com/releases/toyota+eco-savvy+influencers+2013+prius+mpg+challenge.htm" target="_blank">2013 Toyota Prius Plug-in-MPG Challenge</a>.</span> Toyota
has partnered with seven prolific environmental influencers (myself included) from the
tri-state area for Wave Two of the 2013 Prius Plug-In-MPG Challenge – a
fun competition to help educate local communities on the benefits of
electric vehicles. The winner of the challenge will receive a $2,500 donation to the charity of their choice. <span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">(Check out #Pluginforcharity on Facebook and Twitter.)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The charity I am competing for is New York-based <a href="http://www.waterkeeper.org/" target="_blank">Waterkeeper Alliance</a>, a global movement of
on-the-water advocates who patrol and protect over 100,000 miles of rivers,
streams and coastlines in North and South America, Europe, Australia, Asia and
Africa.</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnWXPDA4KAlqsqnzcbbakxcizE-ZhKJ-pDRifdG2_7mJU-o7DVH1k4rtB2ny30VWouJJyFg1oc99i_ncohyswuh3rahjvsCTvnqhWlZVsNpNmVW3Sy5aJJuv25xv-cJsVD58JXlPUjaeQ/s1600/waterkeeper+alliance+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnWXPDA4KAlqsqnzcbbakxcizE-ZhKJ-pDRifdG2_7mJU-o7DVH1k4rtB2ny30VWouJJyFg1oc99i_ncohyswuh3rahjvsCTvnqhWlZVsNpNmVW3Sy5aJJuv25xv-cJsVD58JXlPUjaeQ/s320/waterkeeper+alliance+logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">
</span><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">I would like to thank Earth Day NY for facilitating my participation in the Prius Plug-in-MPG Challenge in NYC. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/EarthDayNewYork" target="_blank">Check out Earth Day NY on Facebook.</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">And,<a href="http://www.starwoodhotels.com/element/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3361" target="_blank"> <b>a big shout out to Element, Times Square West</b></a> for providing hotel accommodations while I was in NYC for the challenge.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERa_ydjVeCUieJCNCFBj322hNQfUJdHF8ODUd_Zs42EwWHgXNf1JnqRYBzafIVUJzlCF0M58BGmMyXxyqq_Q0nRCfI2a81MMECBJRg6ELk30by0JrczB_NIfi8CJ92gb5zqX-i8-yDfY/s1600/element+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERa_ydjVeCUieJCNCFBj322hNQfUJdHF8ODUd_Zs42EwWHgXNf1JnqRYBzafIVUJzlCF0M58BGmMyXxyqq_Q0nRCfI2a81MMECBJRg6ELk30by0JrczB_NIfi8CJ92gb5zqX-i8-yDfY/s320/element+logo.jpg" width="293" /></a></div>
Copyright 2013 Paul E McGinniss<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Paul McGinnisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10597274577419581029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8332772528167165351.post-41057468911376703902013-07-15T12:02:00.000-07:002013-07-15T12:13:35.290-07:00Meet the Contestants Participating in the 2013 Toyota Prius Plug-In-MPG Challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ONtfPzVJrb7C-r77TnGBQtFVLFkXGpvt3eV8k8gL_7kk9gAGjy5QWCCErc7VQt9B0tjjIoxvAoY708KpbyeXmmTg-rZ3hEDKw2iJdq3pnsq_inPNJW5BPZqNKGkJze0eXmuz8qJX2Rw/s1600/group+of+contestants+123_1262.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ONtfPzVJrb7C-r77TnGBQtFVLFkXGpvt3eV8k8gL_7kk9gAGjy5QWCCErc7VQt9B0tjjIoxvAoY708KpbyeXmmTg-rZ3hEDKw2iJdq3pnsq_inPNJW5BPZqNKGkJze0eXmuz8qJX2Rw/s400/group+of+contestants+123_1262.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><span style="font-size: small;">Group picture of the contestants in the 2013 Toyota Prius Plug-In-MPG Challenge </span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Below is info from the Toyota Press Release about myself and fellow challengers. Please check out their web sites and support their important work.</span><br />
<ul><span style="font-size: small;">
</span>
<li>
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://earthdayny.org/">Earth Day New York</a>, a nonprofit
organization promoting environmental awareness and solutions through
partnerships with schools, community organizations, businesses and
government</span></li>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span>
<li>
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.ecokaren.com/">EcoKaren</a>, a chiropractor-turned-green-living-consultant and blogger focused on the connection between the environment and health</span></li>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span>
<li>
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.green-4-u.com/">Green-4-U</a>, a resource for people who want to know more about green living but do not know where to start</span></li>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span>
<li>
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://thegreendivas.com/">Green Divas</a>, a radio show and blog offering listeners information on green and sustainable living</span></li>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span>
<li>
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.greenlivingguy.com/">Green Living Guy</a>, author and editor of the “Green Guru” series</span></li>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span>
<li>
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://inhabitat.com/">Inhabitat</a>, a blog devoted to the
future of design, tracking the innovations pushing architecture and home
design towards a smarter and more sustainable future</span></li>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span>
<li>
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.thenewyorkgreenadvocate.com/">The New York Green Advocate</a>,
a blog authored by environmental advocate Paul McGinniss focused around
the latest news about the world environment, sustainable living,
renewable energy and green building</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>BACKGROUND</b></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">For the next 30 days (from July 12th to Aug 12th), I will be driving a Prius Plug-In-Hybrid as part of the <a href="http://pressroom.toyota.com/releases/toyota+eco-savvy+influencers+2013+prius+mpg+challenge.htm" target="_blank">2013 Toyota Prius Plug-in-MPG Challenge</a>.</span> Toyota
has partnered with seven prolific environmental influencers (myself included) from the
tri-state area for Wave Two of the 2013 Prius Plug-In-MPG Challenge – a
fun competition to help educate local communities on the benefits of
electric vehicles.</span></span><span style="font-size: small;">
The winner of the challenge will receive a $2,500 donation to the charity of their choice. <span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">(Check out #Pluginforcharity on Facebook and Twitter)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The winner of the challenge will receive a $2,500 donation to the charity of their choice. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The charity I am competing for is New York-based <a href="http://www.waterkeeper.org/" target="_blank">Waterkeeper Alliance</a>, a global movement of
on-the-water advocates who patrol and protect over 100,000 miles of rivers,
streams and coastlines in North and South America, Europe, Australia, Asia and
Africa.</span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Bv504krOXRItlBorh-3ePvbHMVESHfZUV0uvYmj-nSr0gNRu6f5RS_Q0D9F00-dkTgqfLSMZ0GdlRnsmaQ_Ps95d90X5YqBjVN7EAOfMWwQk7VXa27Aqx9TrPoVD7TNBmKnrax-dtcA/s1600/waterkeeper+alliance+logo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Bv504krOXRItlBorh-3ePvbHMVESHfZUV0uvYmj-nSr0gNRu6f5RS_Q0D9F00-dkTgqfLSMZ0GdlRnsmaQ_Ps95d90X5YqBjVN7EAOfMWwQk7VXa27Aqx9TrPoVD7TNBmKnrax-dtcA/s320/waterkeeper+alliance+logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></span><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">I would like to thank Earth Day NY for facilitating my participation in the Prius Plug-in-MPG Challenge </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/EarthDayNewYork" target="_blank">Check out Earth Day NY on Facebook.</a></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">And a big shout out for <a href="http://www.starwoodhotels.com/element/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3361" target="_blank"> Element, Times Square West</a> for providing hotel accommodations while I was in NYC for the Challenge.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLhHEkIpBzg0s1eKWEZ_A6tvaTMWQ8oVGWhkHqmK5MC3H10jUi1qSpBzST61mbt_I-8jS5GFRHRhFNE0Jucg5KUdwcGB4cXqgz9alMuNjVy9zsZEUB2BOj-FAlzl8H3hEnV8oJ09stXFs/s1600/element+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLhHEkIpBzg0s1eKWEZ_A6tvaTMWQ8oVGWhkHqmK5MC3H10jUi1qSpBzST61mbt_I-8jS5GFRHRhFNE0Jucg5KUdwcGB4cXqgz9alMuNjVy9zsZEUB2BOj-FAlzl8H3hEnV8oJ09stXFs/s320/element+logo.jpg" width="293" /></a></div>
Copyright Paul E McGinniss 2013Paul McGinnisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10597274577419581029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8332772528167165351.post-56662099042113583872013-07-13T09:30:00.001-07:002013-07-15T05:28:56.387-07:00On The Road: The New York Green Advocate Visits the Headwaters of the Esopus / An Important Source of NYC Drinking Water<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirvltwehsJKxxNQnnosUxfX2KRw-QMrReP4Wfmd49hdzDOPXMFql3mncOTQI_4OFmnLYTzgd0x1M4IDjE-Y-QJL9udZncEtiVpjjclyC7yaVAqQ8wlSWA5U3UuBwoHD6GhycY5J1xOvoY/s1600/Paul+McGinniss+Headwaters+of+Esopus+DSC_0155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirvltwehsJKxxNQnnosUxfX2KRw-QMrReP4Wfmd49hdzDOPXMFql3mncOTQI_4OFmnLYTzgd0x1M4IDjE-Y-QJL9udZncEtiVpjjclyC7yaVAqQ8wlSWA5U3UuBwoHD6GhycY5J1xOvoY/s400/Paul+McGinniss+Headwaters+of+Esopus+DSC_0155.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Paul E McGinniss, The New York Green Advocate, On The Road in His Prius Plug-In-Hybrid as part of the 2013 Prius Plug-In-MPG Challenge. The location is Oliverea in the Town of Shandaken, Ulster County, at The Alpine Inn where the Headwaters of the Esopus Creek border the 69 acre property. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.postlets.com/res/3983657">The Alpine Inn is for sale by Paul E McGinniss Real Estate.</a> This incredible Inn is at the very center of the Catskill Forest Preseve and has been in the same family for over 70 years.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This is the heart of the Catskill Watershed / Catskill Forest Preserve and is adjacent to many acres of New York State preserved land which supports clean and healthy drinking water enjoyed by the population points South including New York City. Paul is wearing his Waterkeeper Alliance cap, Waterkeeper Alliance being the charity for which Paul is competing in the 2013 Prius Plug-In-MPG Challeng</span>e. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">(Check out #Pluginforcharity on Facebook and Twitter)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The charity I am competing for in the 2013 Prius Plug-In MPG Challenge is New York-based <a href="http://www.waterkeeper.org/" target="_blank">Waterkeeper Alliance</a>, a global movement of
on-the-water advocates who patrol and protect over 100,000 miles of rivers,
streams and coastlines in North and South America, Europe, Australia, Asia and
Africa.</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Bv504krOXRItlBorh-3ePvbHMVESHfZUV0uvYmj-nSr0gNRu6f5RS_Q0D9F00-dkTgqfLSMZ0GdlRnsmaQ_Ps95d90X5YqBjVN7EAOfMWwQk7VXa27Aqx9TrPoVD7TNBmKnrax-dtcA/s1600/waterkeeper+alliance+logo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Bv504krOXRItlBorh-3ePvbHMVESHfZUV0uvYmj-nSr0gNRu6f5RS_Q0D9F00-dkTgqfLSMZ0GdlRnsmaQ_Ps95d90X5YqBjVN7EAOfMWwQk7VXa27Aqx9TrPoVD7TNBmKnrax-dtcA/s320/waterkeeper+alliance+logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">I would like to thank Earth Day NY for facilitating my participation in the Prius Plug-in-MPG Challenge and<a href="http://www.starwoodhotels.com/element/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3361" target="_blank"> Element, Times Square West</a> for providing hotel accommodations while I was in NYC for the Challenge.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM6AmKIWrV0kOmRie2ZUbCycxUWbIt-WTD1MN1jjCT3RENTqCUqrOLyVFiQ1pzW32F5z99ShQB7W5QAy8w6wa1OXt6TtujpXYeF891IaX-wDF9iL_LtUWLjLdWmdZ95wsRYQ5Ku9zUP70/s1600/element+logo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM6AmKIWrV0kOmRie2ZUbCycxUWbIt-WTD1MN1jjCT3RENTqCUqrOLyVFiQ1pzW32F5z99ShQB7W5QAy8w6wa1OXt6TtujpXYeF891IaX-wDF9iL_LtUWLjLdWmdZ95wsRYQ5Ku9zUP70/s400/element+logo.jpg" width="366" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Copyright 2013 Paul E McGinniss</span>Paul McGinnisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10597274577419581029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8332772528167165351.post-46413287899975380862013-07-11T17:57:00.000-07:002013-07-11T17:57:04.916-07:00Bright Lights, Big City: Report from Element, Times Square West, The Day Before the Start of the 2013 Prius Plug-In-MPG Challenge<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">by Paul E McGinniss</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">On Tuesday, I traveled by bus from New Paltz, Ulster County, New York to NYC, excited to pick up my Prius the next day to begin my month long journey with a Prius Plug-In-Hybrid. (See end of post for background info about the 2013 Prius Plug-In-MPG Challenge.) </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Upon<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"> arriving at the Port Authority on
42nd street, I was, literally, just steps away from Element, Times Square West where I stayed the night before picking up my Prius. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjokPYoYoQUNO5kSkxrY3fIatZruXAY_r_y3LpIlBp0y8AhF1ba77IqDjbEFUwk6ui1Ifg5L-oMHP69FZx_MUIO4q9QrXwxAqcNSH8pscBDbTnoR2GLr_ZYGwTwuey7fTYyfGo7vufWSqM/s1600/element.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjokPYoYoQUNO5kSkxrY3fIatZruXAY_r_y3LpIlBp0y8AhF1ba77IqDjbEFUwk6ui1Ifg5L-oMHP69FZx_MUIO4q9QrXwxAqcNSH8pscBDbTnoR2GLr_ZYGwTwuey7fTYyfGo7vufWSqM/s400/element.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Entrance Element, Times Square West in NYC</b></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">Element is a great location because it is a short walking distance to all the subway lines, both for the East and West sides of Manhattan, Uptown or Downtown and going to Brooklyn, Queens or the Bronx. (Anyone coming to visit NYC really needs to take the subway and experience all the boroughs to get the full, real, diverse flavor of NYC.)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">The
first thing I noticed upon entering Element is how really great it smells
inside. The pleasing quality of the air was very subtle, but I noticed it
immediately upon entering the lobby from the sometimes grungy hubbub of a frenetic city. As soon as I left 39th Street, I sensed something
soothing and relaxing. When I mentioned this sensation to Russell Porter, Director of Sales for the
hotel, he told me that, like Element, all of the Starwood Hotels have their own
scent and that Element is infused with the scent of green tea. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">I can
tell you that clean, healthy indoor air quality, pyschologically and physically, makes a real difference to me, as I have become more chemically sensitive and in tune with the air and environment that surrounds me. Even if one does not feel overly sensitive to chemicals and air quality, good air, indoors and out, does make a real difference in how we feel, whether it is super noticeable or not.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiID8FVyu527MTtupqAF9b0NVExtXGJKJwpvJNJTiDPcejlm6QAs7G0Bne9IH30XtweY85uFQUg_REA0bOxR65jXQgrCV9l1QG15eq-aQ3SgVU5fI-tTvAKkLDYNPSjixcS9rgLobyOoNQ/s1600/123_1231a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiID8FVyu527MTtupqAF9b0NVExtXGJKJwpvJNJTiDPcejlm6QAs7G0Bne9IH30XtweY85uFQUg_REA0bOxR65jXQgrCV9l1QG15eq-aQ3SgVU5fI-tTvAKkLDYNPSjixcS9rgLobyOoNQ/s400/123_1231a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Lounge Area off the Lobby of Element</i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">And, it is not just the scent of green tea that makes the Element air quality better. No smoking is allowed anywhere in the hotel. </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">Element has made history, actually, as the only major hotel brand to mandate that all of its properties pursue LEED
(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification by the U.S. Green
Building Council for high-performance buildings. </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">Each
Element hotel is built green from the ground up. All are powered by 100%
renewable energy. The hotel interior throughout uses </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"> eco-friendly materials and fabrics. All of the carpeting, paints, adhesives and
wall covers h</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">ave </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">low content VOC (volatile organic compounds) which </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">do not off gas any unpleasant or harmful gasses and</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"> minimize airborne pollutants.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhefAeuoKXdJEbzlBO8hZhNf4Us3f1Nc1IrDhnAPkuCxBvY0a-kbs3gIIcZrEy0d8m3wupe7am_Wt8vfNPPC0esoifFSDg-BD1LpmGWR8tIw6PRCum0_3PVrpMYod83j0X81QqScsl-45I/s1600/123_1232a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhefAeuoKXdJEbzlBO8hZhNf4Us3f1Nc1IrDhnAPkuCxBvY0a-kbs3gIIcZrEy0d8m3wupe7am_Wt8vfNPPC0esoifFSDg-BD1LpmGWR8tIw6PRCum0_3PVrpMYod83j0X81QqScsl-45I/s400/123_1232a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Russell Porter, Director of Sales, and Vickiana Castillo, Sales Manager of Element</b></i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">The
second thing I noticed upon entering the lobby were bicycles, both just
outside the entrance door and also inside the lobby. Once inside I was greeted by a really ecletic mix of people, old and young, business people and tourists, speaking a variety of languages. I soon found out that Element offers free bikes to guests, which is really cool, especially
since the hotel is just a few short blocks to miles of bike
paths and parks that line the glorious Hudson River, all the way from the southern tip of
Manhattan in Battery Park to the very Upper West Side. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJ1B5F55eji6Q7C3MgmubX_priJf29YfutEV_nnXRGRxDuxTxRihC7wBBqZoOh5uzYLLyhwwqm1Khz44kV5DhAxcC3lwXHJ93p1E3Gm94W-2_iF_66SzTIa2R5ffe_Hvp2YDrP8c1uy0/s1600/123_1220a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJ1B5F55eji6Q7C3MgmubX_priJf29YfutEV_nnXRGRxDuxTxRihC7wBBqZoOh5uzYLLyhwwqm1Khz44kV5DhAxcC3lwXHJ93p1E3Gm94W-2_iF_66SzTIa2R5ffe_Hvp2YDrP8c1uy0/s400/123_1220a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>View of Hudson River from Private Roof Deck at Element, Times Square West</b></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">I urge anyone visiting NYC to take at least a half day, if not a whole
day, to just bike around the waterfront of Manhattan and see how NYC is truly
transforming itself into a green waterfront city for the future. The green development of NYC's waterfront and the health of New York's waterways is due in no small part to the Waterkeeper Alliance, the group that I am competing for in the </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">2013 Prius Plug-In-MPG Challenge. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">(Check out #Pluginforcharity)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">This international group of committed Waterkeepers started out as a small group of environmental activists who wanted to clean up the Hudson River from decades of industrial pollution. Waterkeeper now helps protect the world's water on every continent to make sure the waters of the world are swimmable, drinkable and fishable! </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6_si4ZzbCqwEEBkZXQ24eNfM4BgLmAWRAbxfV7wq4vTtRQLCu5LbLElHTgq6mI8T1Aqba8wa6APFY7BEA7qk4DrIxKV_fGrEfiji1nWpSeSzAQ-RS1sgGcUwA2g63_5KYsiRPfDPzRbU/s1600/Waterkeper+on+EcoWatch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6_si4ZzbCqwEEBkZXQ24eNfM4BgLmAWRAbxfV7wq4vTtRQLCu5LbLElHTgq6mI8T1Aqba8wa6APFY7BEA7qk4DrIxKV_fGrEfiji1nWpSeSzAQ-RS1sgGcUwA2g63_5KYsiRPfDPzRbU/s400/Waterkeper+on+EcoWatch.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>A future Riverkeeper enjoys the Hudson River thanks to Riverkeeper’s 30
years of work to clean up the river and make happy faces like this
possible. New York's Riverkeeper was the genesis of the Waterkeeper Alliance which is now active worldwide with hundreds of alliance members. Photo via EcoWatch.com. </i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">The success of a small group of concerned citizens, who turned their love of the Hudson River into a worldwide advocacy platform, tells us two things. One, small steps can lead to big accomplishments. And two, You Gotta Love New York!!! </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">And, before I forget. The Element's private
rooftop terrace offers stunning views of the Empire State Building, the Hudson River
and Midtown Manhattan. </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfr64jHR7I4ND7bWEJJn5b1MopbYcwdRGEnvgQ642nymSCIyf7ISTD0zLahAVH_DUwOa8mWrC85ZzywSCS93pMRnxO9FHnZTHLP2RKxfXXTuApjfZXjONlH59OsWuM6G9QsRkRU_rAu70/s1600/123_1225a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfr64jHR7I4ND7bWEJJn5b1MopbYcwdRGEnvgQ642nymSCIyf7ISTD0zLahAVH_DUwOa8mWrC85ZzywSCS93pMRnxO9FHnZTHLP2RKxfXXTuApjfZXjONlH59OsWuM6G9QsRkRU_rAu70/s400/123_1225a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>View from roof deck of Element, Times Square West in NYC</b></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">You do not truly experience NYC until you experience it from above. At Element, the birds eye views are without crowds, and a quick elevator ride from the comfort of your room.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKJNip4zu7IL1cauqBE3OZeB2TTvWZqqkii5CJzYTPFRHxUZhQj992oAdfXoL3dDpFphc1QQSI-VeXPCCokRLfvJxpvYRYIxxMxwhEQeZ_i8kNJJj_u8a-x3vnS7kNZdV54GvCNhTe8pc/s1600/123_1224a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKJNip4zu7IL1cauqBE3OZeB2TTvWZqqkii5CJzYTPFRHxUZhQj992oAdfXoL3dDpFphc1QQSI-VeXPCCokRLfvJxpvYRYIxxMxwhEQeZ_i8kNJJj_u8a-x3vnS7kNZdV54GvCNhTe8pc/s400/123_1224a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><b>Another view from roof deck of Element, Times Square West, NYC </b></i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I will be reporting for the next month on </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">Wave Two of the 2013 Prius Plug-In-MPG Challenge. Keep checking in to read</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">about some amazing environmental advocates and news about sustainable, amazing New York State.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>BACKGROUND</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The winner of the challenge will receive a $2,500 donation to the charity of their choice. <br /><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">For the next 30 days (from July 12th to Aug 12th), I will be driving a Prius Plug-In-Hybrid as part of the <a href="http://pressroom.toyota.com/releases/toyota+eco-savvy+influencers+2013+prius+mpg+challenge.htm" target="_blank">2013 Toyota Prius Plug-in-MPG Challenge</a>.</span> Toyota
has partnered with seven prolific environmental influencers (myself included) from the
tri-state area for Wave Two of the 2013 Prius Plug-In-MPG Challenge – a
fun competition to help educate local communities on the benefits of
electric vehicles.</span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">Check out #Pluginforcharity</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The charity I am competing for is New York-based <a href="http://www.waterkeeper.org/" target="_blank">Waterkeeper Alliance</a>, a global movement of
on-the-water advocates who patrol and protect over 100,000 miles of rivers,
streams and coastlines in North and South America, Europe, Australia, Asia and
Africa.</span></span><br />
<br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Bv504krOXRItlBorh-3ePvbHMVESHfZUV0uvYmj-nSr0gNRu6f5RS_Q0D9F00-dkTgqfLSMZ0GdlRnsmaQ_Ps95d90X5YqBjVN7EAOfMWwQk7VXa27Aqx9TrPoVD7TNBmKnrax-dtcA/s1600/waterkeeper+alliance+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Bv504krOXRItlBorh-3ePvbHMVESHfZUV0uvYmj-nSr0gNRu6f5RS_Q0D9F00-dkTgqfLSMZ0GdlRnsmaQ_Ps95d90X5YqBjVN7EAOfMWwQk7VXa27Aqx9TrPoVD7TNBmKnrax-dtcA/s320/waterkeeper+alliance+logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">I would like to thank Earth Day NY for facilitating my participation in the Prius Plug-in-MPG Challenge and<a href="http://www.starwoodhotels.com/element/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3361" target="_blank"> Element, Times Square West</a> for providing hotel accommodations while I was in NYC for the Challenge.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM6AmKIWrV0kOmRie2ZUbCycxUWbIt-WTD1MN1jjCT3RENTqCUqrOLyVFiQ1pzW32F5z99ShQB7W5QAy8w6wa1OXt6TtujpXYeF891IaX-wDF9iL_LtUWLjLdWmdZ95wsRYQ5Ku9zUP70/s1600/element+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM6AmKIWrV0kOmRie2ZUbCycxUWbIt-WTD1MN1jjCT3RENTqCUqrOLyVFiQ1pzW32F5z99ShQB7W5QAy8w6wa1OXt6TtujpXYeF891IaX-wDF9iL_LtUWLjLdWmdZ95wsRYQ5Ku9zUP70/s400/element+logo.jpg" width="366" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Copyright 2013 Paul E McGinniss</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjokPYoYoQUNO5kSkxrY3fIatZruXAY_r_y3LpIlBp0y8AhF1ba77IqDjbEFUwk6ui1Ifg5L-oMHP69FZx_MUIO4q9QrXwxAqcNSH8pscBDbTnoR2GLr_ZYGwTwuey7fTYyfGo7vufWSqM/s1600/element.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="Section1">
<br clear="all" style="mso-ignore: vglayout;" />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 2in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 2in;">
</div>
Paul McGinnisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10597274577419581029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8332772528167165351.post-1262911675120308462013-07-07T08:23:00.004-07:002013-07-10T15:42:30.117-07:00Toyota 2013 Prius Plug-In-MPG Challenge: I Will Be Representing Waterkeeper Alliance During the Month Long EventPosted by Paul E McGinniss<br />
<br />
I was invited to participate in a month long Toyota Prius Plug-In-MPG Challenge. On Wednesday, June 10th, I and a select group of six other environmental advocates will each pick up a Toyota Prius Plug-In-Hybrid at <a href="http://www.solar1.org/">Solar One</a>, the green arts and education center on the East River in Manhattan, NYC.<br />
<br />
As part of the challenge, Toyota partnered with seven environmental influencers from the tri-state area for the 2013 Prius Plug-In-MPG Challenge - a competition to help educate local communities on the benefits of electric vehicles.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvUGdF97U2sv37Uftl7LNeUPSnuohsXCeVUcUWxEtw2OWjL-_io1AE0SJkwL6oU0F9v7Z-nivtPxnmMhfTgMVtovaHAzHKICaBBHiGknLM5i4TUDqHiJrBTlrM7RzAidAVfBcL5ys_iY4/s1600/Earth+Day+NY.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvUGdF97U2sv37Uftl7LNeUPSnuohsXCeVUcUWxEtw2OWjL-_io1AE0SJkwL6oU0F9v7Z-nivtPxnmMhfTgMVtovaHAzHKICaBBHiGknLM5i4TUDqHiJrBTlrM7RzAidAVfBcL5ys_iY4/s400/Earth+Day+NY.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><b><i>Times Square on Earth Day NY 2013</i></b></i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Participants like myself will borrow a Prius Plug-In for 30 days. The highest overall MPG per 30 day challenge, according to the Prius computer, receives a $2,500 donation to the charity of their choice - with second-place and third-place finishers earning $1,000 and $500 charitable contributions.<br />
<br />
<br />
My charity of choice is the awesome <a href="http://www.waterkeeper.org/">Waterkeeper Alliance</a>. <span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Founded in 1999 by
environmental attorney and activist, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., and several veteran
Waterkeeper Organizations, Waterkeeper Alliance is a global movement of
on-the-water advocates who patrol and protect over 100,000 miles of rivers,
streams and coastlines in North and South America, Europe, Australia, Asia and
Africa.</span><br />
<br />
Beginning this week, you can follow me as I travel throughout NYC and The
Hudson Valley, reporting on cool, inspiring green people, places,
businesses and happenings in New York. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYfuLZMhRbBYx52-GoywinaG70Otq_acK5Sjj5Y0NXzZyjuQzbc8nJGVLwQervBzSDsO8lExn2PIHf94X_Ggex6ZZTzHA1Os5SI-sKd7Fclf-eDX947hiYvm3PrmQzx5nZzoyvaASMfA8/s1600/waterkeeper+alliance+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYfuLZMhRbBYx52-GoywinaG70Otq_acK5Sjj5Y0NXzZyjuQzbc8nJGVLwQervBzSDsO8lExn2PIHf94X_Ggex6ZZTzHA1Os5SI-sKd7Fclf-eDX947hiYvm3PrmQzx5nZzoyvaASMfA8/s320/waterkeeper+alliance+logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
My enthusiastic involvement in this challenge was made possible by <a href="http://earthdayny.org/">Earth Day NY</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
(More details about this event will be forthcoming on July 10th, once the official media announcement is released by Toyota.)<br />
<br />
My good friend, Margaret Lydecker, founder of Green Drinks NYC, will be accompanying me to the opening event and be my first Toyota Prius Plug-In-Hybrid passenger! As a native New Yawker (sic), I am pleased to report that Green Drinks NYC, with almost 15,000 members, is the largest <a href="http://www.greendrinks.org/">Green Drinks Chapter in the world</a> . (There are over 600 Green Drinks chapters around the world.)<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-VNGfPoaLkidZ1eBUdn6J6c7q70ZOUtkUXaGPGOJ72zb2xZiJaf4zo4mpq8ktp0GqrPllrwaSoTnbkucs0hODWkBFzi3b4F2Gd0q3aOOWL8ucDbGf3vJYOi4AK-WsO-PeuzgnMQp5qFM/s1600/web+post+marg+&+edwin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-VNGfPoaLkidZ1eBUdn6J6c7q70ZOUtkUXaGPGOJ72zb2xZiJaf4zo4mpq8ktp0GqrPllrwaSoTnbkucs0hODWkBFzi3b4F2Gd0q3aOOWL8ucDbGf3vJYOi4AK-WsO-PeuzgnMQp5qFM/s320/web+post+marg+&+edwin.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>2009 Photo of Margaret Lydecker, Founder of Green Drinks
NYC, with Edwin Datschefski, founder of the world's very first Green
Drinks Chapter (London). There are now over 600 Green Drinks Chapters
worldwide.</i></b>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibHZdlkL7vpcPNIU4uFC6ptkb15yBt-9ieJJfYsVcmhdfs_sGhtq1kgZ9wjkCzWh-m5rWUifYz0zIzCpQMauRpBjen5TyeYmBTqKcPc-eenYvQDewzAxEsXuulc8bSO_2wiLbHw_whSlI/s1600/PageImage-531979-5325455-ECO2bike_Pam_Lippe_CEO_ED.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibHZdlkL7vpcPNIU4uFC6ptkb15yBt-9ieJJfYsVcmhdfs_sGhtq1kgZ9wjkCzWh-m5rWUifYz0zIzCpQMauRpBjen5TyeYmBTqKcPc-eenYvQDewzAxEsXuulc8bSO_2wiLbHw_whSlI/s1600/PageImage-531979-5325455-ECO2bike_Pam_Lippe_CEO_ED.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Pamela Lippe, Executive Director and President of Earth Day New York</i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I have Pamela Lippe to thank for suggesting me to be part of this Prius event. I have known Pamela for many years, having run into her time and again, including Green Build in Chicago to the annual North East Sustainable Energy Association conference in Boston! Besides spearheading Earth Day New York, Pamela is President and Principal of e4, inc., a green-building consulting firm. Notably, e4, inc. consulted on the first “green” skyscraper built in the
US by the Durst Organization, the Condé Naste Building in NYC.<b><i><span style="font-size: 18px;"> </span></i></b><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBV5K5DKO8adCPpYKf7aQADmaMfZiG9AjsHm4vGjc1N1intOhB0EfG57nysSu3hA773xdirA87Xvv5YwtHt_VGG0ZdjSHX748xeqdSymyPtzbZ94pHIdn81GTQZDzgIZeBPHueQIYvsE8/s1600/Pamela+Lippe,+far+right,+With+Adrien+Grenier,+Peter+Glatzer+and+Lauren+Gropper.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBV5K5DKO8adCPpYKf7aQADmaMfZiG9AjsHm4vGjc1N1intOhB0EfG57nysSu3hA773xdirA87Xvv5YwtHt_VGG0ZdjSHX748xeqdSymyPtzbZ94pHIdn81GTQZDzgIZeBPHueQIYvsE8/s400/Pamela+Lippe,+far+right,+With+Adrien+Grenier,+Peter+Glatzer+and+Lauren+Gropper.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Picture I took in SoHo, NYC a few years ago with Adrian Grenier, producer Peter Glatzer, architect Lauren Gropper and Pamela Lippe, founder Earth Day NY</i><i>.</i></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Everyone should know that Earth Day is already hard at work putting together
next year's Earth Day events in New York. Please get in touch now, if you'd like
to get involved! Earth Day NY works with an incredible, wide variety of individuals and
organizations throughout the 5 boroughs of NYC, including environmental advocacy campaigns, media
outlets, national companies, schools, community organizations, and local
businesses. Feel free to reach out at 212-922-0048 or <a href="mailto:info@earthdayny.org">info@earthdayny.org</a> for information.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 18px;">Please Check out My <a href="http://www.facebook.com/paul.mcginniss.9">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/PaulEMcGinniss">Twitter</a> Stream. </span><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"type":45}" id="fbPhotoPageCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><a class="-cx-PUBLIC-fbHashtagLink__link" data-onclick="[["HashtagLayerPageController","click"]]" data-pub="{"id":498750090197521}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/pluginforcharity"><span class="-cx-PUBLIC-fbHashtagLink__tagname"></span></a></span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"type":45}" id="fbPhotoPageCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><a class="-cx-PUBLIC-fbHashtagLink__link" data-onclick="[["HashtagLayerPageController","click"]]" data-pub="{"id":498750090197521}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/pluginforcharity"><span class="-cx-PUBLIC-fbHashtagLink__hashmark">#</span><span class="-cx-PUBLIC-fbHashtagLink__tagname">PlugInForCharity</span></a></span></span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">And, I would like to thank <a href="http://deals.elementhotels.com/Element-Times-Square-New-York-Hotel-3361/special-offers?PS=LGEN_AA_DNAD_CGGL_TPRP">Element, Times Square West</a> for providing hotel accommodations while I am in NYC for the challenge.</span></span></span></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjt7JgfhJxwm02FiihG71CoEeE0H43nbgeqmdeIb-gkPkanwBX_jccmezM3idFLy647dAOwD8RiXQiKQ94_hegR_O1P2k_rtF1Z2FKnVVRLpd-KXPbfBcaPANmgj7e1DdtmKLbs5oRgoI/s1600/element+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjt7JgfhJxwm02FiihG71CoEeE0H43nbgeqmdeIb-gkPkanwBX_jccmezM3idFLy647dAOwD8RiXQiKQ94_hegR_O1P2k_rtF1Z2FKnVVRLpd-KXPbfBcaPANmgj7e1DdtmKLbs5oRgoI/s320/element+logo.jpg" width="293" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBV5K5DKO8adCPpYKf7aQADmaMfZiG9AjsHm4vGjc1N1intOhB0EfG57nysSu3hA773xdirA87Xvv5YwtHt_VGG0ZdjSHX748xeqdSymyPtzbZ94pHIdn81GTQZDzgIZeBPHueQIYvsE8/s1600/Pamela+Lippe,+far+right,+With+Adrien+Grenier,+Peter+Glatzer+and+Lauren+Gropper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: 18px;"><a href="http://youtu.be/mKecw8MkhyQ"> Check Out the Earth Day NY Video Below</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 18px;">(Double click to watch full screen) </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 18px;"> <object height="315" width="560"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/TevyEQiTXtc?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0"></param>
<param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param>
<param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param>
<embed src="//www.youtube.com/v/TevyEQiTXtc?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="560" height="315" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 18px;">Copyright Paul E McGinniss 2013 </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 18px;">Please Check out My <a href="http://www.facebook.com/paul.mcginniss.9">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/PaulEMcGinniss">Twitter </a>Stream. </span><br />
<div id="AOLMsgPart_1_f312a8b6-5614-4d63-86b3-466b14cfe151">
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
<br />
</span></span></div>
Paul McGinnisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10597274577419581029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8332772528167165351.post-34581281414535014632013-04-02T12:59:00.000-07:002013-04-06T02:00:04.291-07:00Paradise or Parking Lot? Video Interview with Graham Hill, Founder of TreeHugger & LifeEdited<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span id="role_document" style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Graham Hill Speaks About The Delicate State of Our Environment, Inspiration<span style="font-size: large;"> and</span> How Those More Fortunate Can Consume Less <span style="font-size: large;">and </span>Give More</span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span id="role_document" style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;">By Paul E McGinniss</span></span></span></span><span id="role_document" style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span><span id="role_document" style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span><span id="role_document" style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span id="role_document" style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span><span id="role_document" style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span></div>
<span id="role_document" style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I recently attended a <a href="http://www.greendrinksnyc.com/">Green Drinks NYC</a> event at Resource Furniture in
Midtown Manhattan that featured Graham Hill talking about his LifeEdited
project.</span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;">The ethos of the project is that for
some of us "Less is More." We can<span style="font-size: medium;"> </span>consume less, live with fewer things, exist
in less space and still be happy, all<span style="font-size: medium;"> </span>the while helping </span></span><span id="role_document" style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: medium;">the
environment.</span></span><i> </i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0gzqOaJZze-QZ5kfBBRmOVcAoQvejZlNiFZiIqSh5tK1lb7A5CScTxZ9ipTCugqN8SLiU79rHNPwIju3Do3zb1bG8QdTvPK9pwy7b9mG1IrllL8h0sEOQ6DArG_E_JLaYbHilDex56ho/s1600/stef_graham.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0gzqOaJZze-QZ5kfBBRmOVcAoQvejZlNiFZiIqSh5tK1lb7A5CScTxZ9ipTCugqN8SLiU79rHNPwIju3Do3zb1bG8QdTvPK9pwy7b9mG1IrllL8h0sEOQ6DArG_E_JLaYbHilDex56ho/s320/stef_graham.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<i>Stefanie Spear, founder EcoWatch with Graham Hill, founder TreeHugger and LifeEdited in NYC </i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
<br />
<span id="role_document" style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I was lucky enough to interview Graham in SoHo the day after
meeting up at<span style="font-size: medium;"> </span>the Green Drinks NYC event. <a href="http://youtu.be/i2AQiWgknxg">Check out the video below this post.</a> We spoke on his doorstep while Fast Company was inside his LifeEdited
apartment conducting a photo shoot. <br /><br />The <a href="http://www.lifeedited.com/">LifeEdited </a>project began with
the clever renovation of a studio apartment in <span style="font-size: medium;">d</span>owntown Manhattan undertaken by
the LifeEdited team. A small, non-descript space was transformed into a
multi-functional setting adaptable for use as office/work, entertainment and/or
living space. </span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Graham recently penned an article entitled <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/10/opinion/sunday/living-with-less-a-lot-less.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0" target="_blank">"Living
With Less, A Lot Less"</a><span style="font-size: medium;"> about LifeEdited for the New York Times. </span>So, if
you want to know<span style="font-size: medium;"> </span>more about this subject, check out the
article.</span></span></span></span><span id="role_document" style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span id="role_document" style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span id="role_document" style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span id="role_document" style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Stefanie Spear, founder of <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/">EcoWatch</a>, also </span></span><span style="font-size: medium;">attended the recent
Green Drinks NYC event and I introduced her to Graham Hill. I plan to do a joint
interview with these two environmental mavens so look out for the video of a
Stefanie <span style="font-size: medium;">and</span> Graham dialog in a future post.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
<br />
<span id="role_document" style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span id="role_document" style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>CHECK OUT THIS MUST SEE VIDEO OF GRAHAM
HILL</b></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span id="role_document" style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span id="role_document" style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">(Double <span style="font-size: medium;">c</span>lick <span style="font-size: medium;">t</span>o <span style="font-size: medium;">w</span>atc<span style="font-size: medium;">h <span style="font-size: medium;">f</span>ull <span style="font-size: medium;">s</span>creen or <span style="font-size: medium;">c</span>l<span style="font-size: medium;">ick<span style="font-size: medium;"> on <span style="font-size: medium;">l</span>ink <span style="font-size: medium;">at t</span>op to <span style="font-size: medium;">w</span>atch </span></span>on YouTu<span style="font-size: medium;">be.)</span></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><object height="236" width="420"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/i2AQiWgknxg?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0"></param>
<param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param>
<param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param>
<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/i2AQiWgknxg?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="420" height="236" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></span></span></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"></span></span><span id="role_document" style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span id="role_document" style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span id="role_document" style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span id="role_document" style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Copyright 2013 <span style="font-size: medium;">Paul E McGinniss</span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
<br /></div>
<span id="role_document" style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
<span id="role_document" style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">
</span>Paul McGinnisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10597274577419581029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8332772528167165351.post-7147035392335488072013-02-23T18:30:00.000-08:002013-02-24T08:47:55.813-08:00Must See Video: This Is What Democracy Looks Like - Van Jones Makes Rousing Speech at Largest Climate Rally in U.S. History, Washington, D.C. February 17, 2013 <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW-CgjAMMiGq6iwVmtkM5PsYWzeT5UrHZazuPUAINirZhAjTUf1dX8gjwbCecj7CCChL8dmcd0_PEyFVidJyZhm6li2I8h2ARbRcy1WfaRMooTwc3rBBog1XnF7SVVp0iulUpPZ0YJbUI/s1600/forwardclimate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW-CgjAMMiGq6iwVmtkM5PsYWzeT5UrHZazuPUAINirZhAjTUf1dX8gjwbCecj7CCChL8dmcd0_PEyFVidJyZhm6li2I8h2ARbRcy1WfaRMooTwc3rBBog1XnF7SVVp0iulUpPZ0YJbUI/s1600/forwardclimate.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<b> Please Double Click Video Below to Watch Full Screen</b><br />
<b> </b><br />
<b> <object height="315" width="560"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/gRFXmS-PK2o?hl=en_US&version=3&rel=0"></param>
<param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param>
<param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param>
<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/gRFXmS-PK2o?hl=en_US&version=3&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="560" height="315" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></b><br />
<b> </b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://youtu.be/gRFXmS-PK2o"> Link Here to Video</a></span><br />
<br />
<b>Copyright 2013 Paul E McGinniss</b><br />
<br />Paul McGinnisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10597274577419581029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8332772528167165351.post-78188971490214408762013-02-19T17:04:00.002-08:002013-02-20T06:47:40.751-08:00Portraits of The Revolution: Images From the Forward on Climate Rally <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">by Paul E McGinniss</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">On Sunday, February 17th, 2013, <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">approximately</span> 50,000<span style="font-size: large;"> p</span></span>eople <span style="font-size: large;">m</span>arched in Washington, D<span style="font-size: large;">.</span>C. at the <a href="http://www.thenation.com/blog/172964/forward-climate-rally-sends-message-obama-no-keystone#">Forward on Climate Rally</a>. I was lucky enough to be among the masses of </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">the concerned</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></i></span>and sending news reports live to <a href="http://ecowatch.org/2013/35000-rally-foward-on-climate/">EcoWatch.</a> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here are some snapshots of the participants I <span style="font-size: large;">engaged</span> on the streets of our nation's capital. Thanks to everyone I met who <span style="font-size: large;">emailed </span>me pictures via their cell phones live from the rally! </span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLCxB0YhmRiF9N7qEJ_2zp4QEtT6ywnDs5F4fjgZI91OVVydInTE8g31L2bpIkihKpnC_R0obn3-AaoOLGaVTjSmkUk8jg9vAhvX7oXoiTpbGejG_94RW_1KITSoqBAlDipyYalLXW9mA/s1600/Polar+Bears+at+Climate+Rally.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLCxB0YhmRiF9N7qEJ_2zp4QEtT6ywnDs5F4fjgZI91OVVydInTE8g31L2bpIkihKpnC_R0obn3-AaoOLGaVTjSmkUk8jg9vAhvX7oXoiTpbGejG_94RW_1KITSoqBAlDipyYalLXW9mA/s640/Polar+Bears+at+Climate+Rally.jpg" width="360" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Linda Cahill from Virginia dressed as a Polar Bear as part of a Polar Bear Parade organized by the Alaska Wilderness League. Here she is before the rally started with the Capitol Building off in the distance. <span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">Linda is a supporter of the Gwich'in :
A</span> <span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Nations" target="_blank" title="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Nations">First Nations</a> people who live in the northwestern
part of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_America" target="_blank" title="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_America">North America</a> mostly above the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arctic_Circle" target="_blank" title="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arctic_Circle">Arctic Circle</a>.<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b> </b></span></span>
</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>Photo by <span class="addressItem"><span class="address wsItem">Molly Masterton.</span></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Linda said when I asked her why she came to the rally:</b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Linda: "I am against oil subsidies, drilling in
the Arctic, fracking, and the keystone XL pipeline. It's time we take
action. President Obama should require environmental impact studies before any
drilling in the Arctic.<span style="color: black;"> I was shocked to find out
that my President, for whom I voted, had not required Shell to do an
environmental impact study on drilling in the Arctic. If there is a spill, it
would take one year for them to clean it up because of short seasons. I am
inspired by proactive people like the winners of the <a href="http://www.goldmanprize.org/" target="_blank" title="http://www.goldmanprize.org/">Goldman Environment
Prize</a> for excellence in protecting the
environment: advocates like Maria Gunnoe, from southern VA, who fought to stop
clear cutting of mountains for </span><span style="color: black;">mountaintop removal coal mining. And</span> Marc Ona Essangui from Gabon who helped
publicly expose unlawful agreements behind a huge mining
project that threatened Gabon’s
rainforests. Marc now
has a wheelchair, but his
father used to take him to school on his back. I guess what I'm trying to say is that
anyone can play a role, regardless of where they live or education, in improving
the environment and that saving the environment can
create jobs, contrary to what some people
say.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhJYdelqAsk-wm18U-xP8xbNVkb5WreSlPf0uhhyjptvCf17WDOOMQFx_I6jCiBwZWn3tF435-3SGbWj_LiaLcvaBEalsU0_KQ06EsAt1q-WEJN_IVlZz-qUhmq2fK3m6M0a_V4eE-xxE/s1600/Rosendale+Activists+at+Climate+Rally.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhJYdelqAsk-wm18U-xP8xbNVkb5WreSlPf0uhhyjptvCf17WDOOMQFx_I6jCiBwZWn3tF435-3SGbWj_LiaLcvaBEalsU0_KQ06EsAt1q-WEJN_IVlZz-qUhmq2fK3m6M0a_V4eE-xxE/s640/Rosendale+Activists+at+Climate+Rally.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span id="role_document" style="color: black;">Photo of Jennifer Metzger (on right), Chair of the Town of
Rosendale New York Environmental Commission. Jennifer and I sat together on the ride south to Washington, D<span style="font-size: small;">.</span>C.<span style="font-size: small;"> on</span> a bus with fifty people from New Paltz, New York. The trip was coordinated by the
Sierra Club. Pictured on left: Amy Trompeter, Redwing Blackbird Theater,
Rosendale, NY (on the same bus from New Paltz, NY.)</span> </i></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Jenn said when I asked her why she came to the rally:</b></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 16px;">"There is no more important issue we face
today than the climate crisis and, as a mother, I am terrified by the thought of
the kind of world we will leave to our children and their children if the status
quo continues. I'm here to deliver the message that it's time to change course.
President Obama expressed a strong commitment to address climate change in his
State of the Union address and he must now act on that commitment, reject the
Keystone XL pipeline and take meaningful action to wean this country off of
fossil fuels." </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 16px;"></span> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQmYm8FHMBmR5B9_CQQvQ9gFy-qoyAh83mEWLcb5cd-iNFWO80VTGMh9CZht1EMI4mnigJRQ8zhRW-doYsCikCf0Myz-meUCFdcEJ_bA5gulRlopwBWf1ij5yvNyLOWLQxPkI4eyBxWZw/s1600/Climate+Change+Santa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQmYm8FHMBmR5B9_CQQvQ9gFy-qoyAh83mEWLcb5cd-iNFWO80VTGMh9CZht1EMI4mnigJRQ8zhRW-doYsCikCf0Myz-meUCFdcEJ_bA5gulRlopwBWf1ij5yvNyLOWLQxPkI4eyBxWZw/s400/Climate+Change+Santa.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<i>I met John and Gretchen Mann in front of the White House as crowds gathered. Climate Santa John and his wife, Gretchen, are from Chestertown , Md. </i></div>
<i> </i><span id="role_document" style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span id="role_document" style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>I asked them why they came to the rally and they said:</b></span></span><br />
<span id="role_document" style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b> </b> </span></span></div>
<div>
<span id="role_document" style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>John</b>: We wanted to be a force of momentum. I take kids kayaking on the
Chesapeake Bay and we are both passionate about the environment.
<br /><br /><b>Gretchen</b>: I am an environmental science teacher in High School and I am
practicing what I teach.</span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsFG6SV48qJ9EhMwXeUf_3xR5B97TYAWunKkIyy-6naOba7wMk3z4-U2iNNL6J23319GBy3BJ_gLabiATvdRBMB6J1aX73M1eomGKzBJbLefpOjYKMZwUpWivoMVU7_DpJ56GpFliLjrs/s1600/Forward+on+Climate+Rally+2013+Washington+DC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsFG6SV48qJ9EhMwXeUf_3xR5B97TYAWunKkIyy-6naOba7wMk3z4-U2iNNL6J23319GBy3BJ_gLabiATvdRBMB6J1aX73M1eomGKzBJbLefpOjYKMZwUpWivoMVU7_DpJ56GpFliLjrs/s400/Forward+on+Climate+Rally+2013+Washington+DC.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>I met a group of students from Harvard after the march ended at the Washington Monument. They were super excited to have traveled from Boston together. From left to right:<span id="role_document" style="color: black;">Dylan Cruz</span><span id="role_document" style="color: black;">,</span> Krishna Dasaratha, Akhil Mathew and Alyssa Chan.</i></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>When I asked Krisna why he came to the rally, he said:</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span id="role_document" style="color: black;">"I came to the rally because I think constructing the Keystone pipeline is
incredibly destructive and needs to be stopped."</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span id="role_document" style="color: black;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span id="role_document" style="color: black;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9C7aqPUAJhRS9KbnisaKjEAoLsDSgAyu9xWLgzh8zUdFqs1wZGEEz_oSx32lkSsOTzcVmyTkCMdfejc0qlCJ5X-qO8IpAKIvW7QwytnbnCCVDmccKnByTFV04Y1-xCHZqpFwIcN2cJh8/s1600/Pic+at+Climate+Rally.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9C7aqPUAJhRS9KbnisaKjEAoLsDSgAyu9xWLgzh8zUdFqs1wZGEEz_oSx32lkSsOTzcVmyTkCMdfejc0qlCJ5X-qO8IpAKIvW7QwytnbnCCVDmccKnByTFV04Y1-xCHZqpFwIcN2cJh8/s400/Pic+at+Climate+Rally.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i> Backstage, before the march started and just before Bill McKibben took the stage, I met a cool <span style="font-size: small;">group</span> of Native Americans. From left to right: (L-R): Lisa Montellongo, Cherokee, North Carolina; Missy Crow, Cherokee,
North Carolina; Richard Ray Whitman, Oklahoma; and Tony Walking Stick,
Cherokee, North Carolina. Photo by<span class="subject"> BJ </span><span class="addressItem"><span class="address wsItem">McManama of </span></span> the Indigenous Environmental Network.</i><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Richard Ray Whitman explained why they had to come to the climate rally: </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">“We are indigenous
people. We are the host peoples of this continent. We are the evidence
of the western hemisphere, South America, Central and North America. So
our actions today, we are speaking and acting through the generations.
Not only as human rights, but as human responsibility. We are a circle
of many circles. Today we are sharing solidarity with our Canadian
relatives, the origins of Tar Sands in Alberta.” </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdAmoIIJWax_YGmNvmG5dEah30KDlQboHr3B-BRB72t8GCww0ArFQMuFH5aCbl0VX1N-c-uaqYs7B1Tn-7jP4tbYmdcUGUPz6mwQTz7HczDhtcKqE5luhESD6FpEW5J7JuhqoIzn02OKk/s1600/Forward+on+Climate+Rally+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdAmoIIJWax_YGmNvmG5dEah30KDlQboHr3B-BRB72t8GCww0ArFQMuFH5aCbl0VX1N-c-uaqYs7B1Tn-7jP4tbYmdcUGUPz6mwQTz7HczDhtcKqE5luhESD6FpEW5J7JuhqoIzn02OKk/s400/Forward+on+Climate+Rally+2013.jpg" width="400" /></a><i> </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<i> An activist group from Seattle, Washington who are members of <span style="font-size: small;">BackboneCampaign.org.</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-size: small;">("Artful Activism: Create visual
soundbites for multitude of issues.") </span>Photo by <span class="subject">Celia Herrera. </span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<i><span class="subject">Thank you Celia!!!</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Denise Henrikson of BackboneCampaign.org told me:</b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">"This is our future. We are here to speak for our
future. It's crazy not<b> </b>to be here. We need clean
energy now!"</span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Copyright 2013 Paul E<span style="font-size: small;"> </span> McGinniss </b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Paul McGinnisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10597274577419581029noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8332772528167165351.post-32108974105762229982013-01-26T07:13:00.000-08:002013-01-26T07:13:12.062-08:00Richlite: The Best Green Building Material Made in the USA<h2>
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;">Versatile Green Product Richlite Embodies Sustainable Manufacturing, Materials <span style="font-size: large;">and </span>Design</span></span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">by Paul E McGinniss </span></span></span></span></h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMUYNuUE7Xw37fhHLc4vTu6EzE9p94Qgp5zoSmetL2o5U2pB3KSWutlvzsBF0Y86HCrf3HtWrIi0oJ9ploeThjtvhZbvADJi3ICQkl0EfkyJAEY39TuwkZgogylo8ebIRfLoDusemxd_o/s1600/richlite+skateboards.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMUYNuUE7Xw37fhHLc4vTu6EzE9p94Qgp5zoSmetL2o5U2pB3KSWutlvzsBF0Y86HCrf3HtWrIi0oJ9ploeThjtvhZbvADJi3ICQkl0EfkyJAEY39TuwkZgogylo8ebIRfLoDusemxd_o/s400/richlite+skateboards.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i>Skateboards made with Richlite, a super durable paper composite that is Greenguard certified.</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">I did not have a chance to make it to Green Build 2012 which took place last Fall in San Francisco, California. Luckily, my most excellent friend, passionate <a href="http://www.angelinidesigns.com/services.html" target="_blank">green interior designer Laura Angelini,</a>
did attend<span style="font-size: large;"> th<span style="font-size: large;">e crowded, annual USGBC convention. So, Laura<span style="font-size: large;"> and <span style="font-size: large;">I got togeth<span style="font-size: large;">er to ta<span style="font-size: large;">lk about </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;">the cool products presented that impressed her the most. <span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">One of the <span style="font-size: large;">ins<span style="font-size: large;">piring</span></span>, multi-use products <span style="font-size: large;">Laura</span> was most excited about was Richlite, a super durable, paper compos<span style="font-size: large;">ite </span>material. It is
used to make a wide variety of products including<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>skateboards, skate ramps, exterior
cladding for homes, furniture and kitchen counter tops. Richlite can be
order<span style="font-size: large;">ed</span> in many pleasing c<span style="font-size: large;">o<span style="font-size: large;">lors. It</span> </span>is super dense, moisture proof,
sanitary, and both stain and heat resistant. Talk about resilient! In the kitchen realm, <span style="font-size: large;">i</span>t's <span style="font-size: large;">definitely</span> elegant, eco<span style="font-size: large;">-cred </span>competitio<span style="font-size: large;">n for popular <span style="font-size: large;">materials like c</span>orian<span style="font-size: large;"> and granite which are ofte<span style="font-size: large;">n </span>used in swanky interior design. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_fBYm5fzoXkPqoUxHAaY5YhkzilYUNowR80ecsDwT8OUrQmV8Zl-1jQXETUdKoJmKMXKJeAHVKcDPtzD6pu9YlHQq8gzlwgtJ0ehvNu5tmc0zPshIz-MJ-Q3eDT8Qp5XiQs5xoU7SLtM/s1600/121_0ee997.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW1ltWA2pUUbiO-0kLvywNWIUekY_zMXZlhTxrVk5aV0gom12T-hx0-pPKy2xwggcfub2_MMCbd87hkK5Q3tfrwuYoEv4PmTrQ5pM9_0jq0NO1dmAGmbrtISACkCXqEUdJZRpLxzlE66k/s1600/121_0ee997.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW1ltWA2pUUbiO-0kLvywNWIUekY_zMXZlhTxrVk5aV0gom12T-hx0-pPKy2xwggcfub2_MMCbd87hkK5Q3tfrwuYoEv4PmTrQ5pM9_0jq0NO1dmAGmbrtISACkCXqEUdJZRpLxzlE66k/s400/121_0ee997.JPG" width="225" /></a></div>
<i>Green Designer Laura Angelini Shows off Richlite Samples in Her Woodstock, N.Y. Studio.</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">While talking with Laura in her tranquil, Woodstock, NY <span style="font-size: large;">s</span>tudio, she explained how Richlite, based <span style="font-size: large;">in </span>Tacoma, Washington, has been Made in the USA since the 1940s. It is manufactured <span style="font-size: large;">f</span>rom
either FSC <span style="font-size: large;">c</span>ertified or 100% post-consumer recycled paper. As for
concerns about emissions from resin used to bind the layers of the p<span style="font-size: large;">aper <span style="font-size: large;">which are </span>molded under high temperatures and <span style="font-size: large;">pressure</span></span> in the
manufacturing process<span style="font-size: large;">: </span>the material is certified by Greenguard f<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">or <span style="font-size: large;">indoor use in residential, school and
institutional environments under <a href="http://www.nsf.org/" target="_blank">NSF Standard 51.</a></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Interestingly, li<span style="font-size: large;">ke many cutting edge pr<span style="font-size: large;">odu<span style="font-size: large;">cts that e<span style="font-size: large;">ventually h<span style="font-size: large;">i</span>t the <span style="font-size: large;">consumer</span> market</span>, <span style="font-size: large;">Rich<span style="font-size: large;">lite, in the early days and before it became commercially popular,</span></span></span></span></span> <span style="font-size: large;">was used </span>in the
military.<span style="font-size: large;"> Because the composite was so strong and water resilient, i<span style="font-size: large;">t was perfect for making<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span>storage containers
that could be
submerged underwater. <span style="font-size: large;">Our conversation turned to post <span style="font-size: large;">Super Storm S<span style="font-size: large;">an<span style="font-size: large;">dy building issues an<span style="font-size: large;">d <span style="font-size: large;">the benef<span style="font-size: large;">it of <span style="font-size: large;">water and </span></span>mold</span> resistant materials. </span></span></span></span></span>Laura pointed out that <span style="font-size: large;">"Richlite could be under water for a 100 years and it would still be in good <span style="font-size: large;">condition</span>." She </span>even showed me a picture of <span style="font-size: large;">the <span style="font-size: large;">decking on a </span></span>boat dock made out o<span style="font-size: large;">f</span> Richlite<span style="font-size: large;">. We quickly realized<span style="font-size: large;"> how it could also be a great, elegant, yet super functional, long <span style="font-size: large;">lasting</span> decking material for hom<span style="font-size: large;">es or decks on green roofs.</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYLOZMKBYsgV8OTDydNZIB6Wvf9X2JMoXObm1Kv4HjVEEkArc2Z45-BDUL8ee1qjMqdmArjQt7b8zjMOMYiEpdmMNRrqALn2CHMkJNcIB9VE_fADW6Hqjb_G2pKXkksbXbQCGpgyXKI4A/s1600/richlite+countertops.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYLOZMKBYsgV8OTDydNZIB6Wvf9X2JMoXObm1Kv4HjVEEkArc2Z45-BDUL8ee1qjMqdmArjQt7b8zjMOMYiEpdmMNRrqALn2CHMkJNcIB9VE_fADW6Hqjb_G2pKXkksbXbQCGpgyXKI4A/s400/richlite+countertops.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i>Richlite Counter tops are elegant and compete with Corian and Granite options.</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The
sustainability of the physical material itself is<span style="font-size: large;"> only a </span>part of the
whole sustainable ethos at the company. For instance, Richlite captures
energy from the manufacturing process and recycles it back into the
heating system as energy. This improves Richlite’s
carbon footprint by reducing fuel consumption by 83%. What's more,
the manufacturing process used to make the <span style="font-size: large;">R</span>ichlite <span style="font-size: large;">composite</span> emits four to five times less the amount of CO2 as
other <span style="font-size: large;">manufacturing</span> processes used to make com<span style="font-size: large;">posit<span style="font-size: large;">e </span></span>paper materials. <span style="font-size: large;">A</span>nd, during the Richlite manufacturing process, 99.9% of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are
captured and destroyed while reducing Richlite’s natural gas consumption
by more than 80%.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtY7keZTh7fwj_WHXBrX3AX4rzJZrAI4rQQ_tzIbiZ9qNvGi3l5UqJ1VWcU1uo5C5OItl3L7c30Q5zT5Gwk2HY_kG4sl6HYM4SS-0SdcoeJDCFvcJwXxDApES4uWF4Ioo1UbF5Rh4FvbQ/s1600/brooks+&+sergei+at+puree+kitche2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtY7keZTh7fwj_WHXBrX3AX4rzJZrAI4rQQ_tzIbiZ9qNvGi3l5UqJ1VWcU1uo5C5OItl3L7c30Q5zT5Gwk2HY_kG4sl6HYM4SS-0SdcoeJDCFvcJwXxDApES4uWF4Ioo1UbF5Rh4FvbQ/s400/brooks+&+sergei+at+puree+kitche2a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i>Brooks Perlin of ECO Supply (left) and Sergei Hasegawa of Pure Kitchen at the Pure Kitchen showroom in Williamsburg, Brooklyn where Richlite Products can be seen.</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Just prior <span style="font-size: large;">to Green Build 2012<span style="font-size: large;">, </span></span>Laura took a job working with ECO Supply, an excellent <span style="font-size: large;">green</span> materials distributo<span style="font-size: large;">r that carries the Richlite line.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: large;">W</span></span></span>hile at Green Build, she had <span style="font-size: large;">the</span> chance to meet
the Richlite team<span style="font-size: large;">. </span>Before meeting with Laura, I
was somewhat familiar with Richlite, having previously interviewed Brooks
Perlin, CFO ECO Suppl<span style="font-size: large;">y.<span style="font-size: large;"> With Brooks I saw</span></span> some beautiful products made with
Richlite at <a href="http://www.purekitchen.com/" target="_blank">Pure Kitchen</a> in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NYC. I knew the product mostly as a surface
material used in interior kitchens and baths and also in commercial
retail and restaurant businesses. But Laura and Brooks opened my eyes to this am<span style="font-size: large;">azing, versatile materi<span style="font-size: large;">al which <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">c</span>ou<span style="font-size: large;">ld find a use by </span>a Top Chef, a fa<span style="font-size: large;">mous<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>skateboarder like Tony Hawk or<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>homemaker <span style="font-size: large;">extraordinaire</span> Martha Stewart. While not specifically certified by the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute, </span>Richli<span style="font-size: large;">te</span> </span>is <span style="font-size: large;">"</span><a href="http://www.c2ccertified.org/" target="_blank">Cradle to Cradle</a>" if anything is!</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">While having a great conversation about sustainable business models and gree<span style="font-size: large;">n</span> building and green materials,<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Brooks Perli<span style="font-size: large;">n ruminated passionat<span style="font-size: large;">ely:</span></span> "Let's not do less bad. Let's start to do good. <span style="font-size: large;">Let's not just use <span style="font-size: large;">less plastic or less rain forest materials<span style="font-size: large;">;</span> let's <span style="font-size: large;">use</span> <span style="font-size: large;">more</span> <span style="font-size: large;">materials like sustainabl<span style="font-size: large;">y</span></span> harvested <span style="font-size: large;">ba<span style="font-size: large;">mboo<span style="font-size: large;"> manufactured in<span style="font-size: large;"> a <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">"</span>Cradle to <span style="font-size: large;">C</span>rad<span style="font-size: large;">le" ethos</span></span></span>, <span style="font-size: large;">a<span style="font-size: large;">nd </span>source only sustainably</span> <span style="font-size: large;">harvested</span> wood, <span style="font-size: large;">reclaimed</span> wood or recycled and resilient materials like Richlite."</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.ecosupplycenter.com/products/countertops/richlite.html#richlite?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=CPC&utm_campaign=Richlite" target="_blank">Check out some of the other products carried by ECO Supply</a>. They
include Plyboo bamboo floors and Durapalm flooring which is made from
coconut palm and sugar palm.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYtwsALeOzxuPQuSV0CMzXu0IC8dxznXqpqFzoCrw2Y6qZUg_ejPDI4jBFneqzf5DKC4ebcuK2S7goxMSuY5KBtp5DQ9EJBJbGgXpb6TpIDtxeol1RpHa3tt5aQ6Hy_pmoxWVmHYhEhKM/s1600/Martin+Guitar+witrh+Richlite+bridge+and+fret+board.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYtwsALeOzxuPQuSV0CMzXu0IC8dxznXqpqFzoCrw2Y6qZUg_ejPDI4jBFneqzf5DKC4ebcuK2S7goxMSuY5KBtp5DQ9EJBJbGgXpb6TpIDtxeol1RpHa3tt5aQ6Hy_pmoxWVmHYhEhKM/s400/Martin+Guitar+witrh+Richlite+bridge+and+fret+board.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<i><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">Martin's FSC-Certified guitar using Richlite's FSC Black Diamond as the bridge and fretboard.</span></span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">One more thing I forgot <span style="font-size: large;">to mention. Richlite is now <span style="font-size: large;">subst<span style="font-size: large;">i</span>tuted for </span>ecologically <span style="font-size: large;">sensitive</span> hardwoods such as</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> ebony or rosewood, traditional components in custom made guit<span style="font-size: large;">ars made by the likes of Gibson and Martin. </span>Very cool indeed.</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Thank you <span style="font-size: large;">Laura for an en<span style="font-size: large;">lightening dis<span style="font-size: large;">cussion and I look forwar<span style="font-size: large;">d to joining you this Fall for Green Build in Philadelphia<span style="font-size: large;">.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Copyright Paul<span style="font-size: large;"> E McGinniss 2013</span> </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Check out the video below from Richlite. (Double click to watch full screen.)</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<object height="315" width="560"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/FZ3BWFdUmTk?hl=en_US&version=3&rel=0"></param>
<param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param>
<param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param>
<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/FZ3BWFdUmTk?hl=en_US&version=3&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="560" height="315" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br />
<br />Paul McGinnisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10597274577419581029noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8332772528167165351.post-46801138640348730492013-01-13T10:14:00.003-08:002013-01-13T12:44:46.975-08:00Green Drinks NYC SPARK Speaker Series 2013 <h1>
<span class="summary">"Resilient Design: The New Imperative" <span style="color: #38761d;">with Alex Wilson of the Resilient Design Institute</span></span></h1>
<h1>
<span class="summary"> </span><a href="http://www.eventbrite.com/org/1930001095?s=11784862" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Green Drinks NYC </span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></h1>
<h1>
<span style="font-size: large;">Tuesday, January 22, 2013 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM </span></h1>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div id="event_network">
<h2>
</h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWuWtiKDzifIuqzhGeOu1E9BMSUcC2AyGqoRmfNOZV52B74HkwDruoAnNwe9qUiVLVUKhnQf9XpN5Gzou62FNRkaTgRn8PvWU_ue3DSTuTrLnhf-wwnp-5ofSHc0grjWtL6El3sX8uBIQ/s1600/3065070709-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWuWtiKDzifIuqzhGeOu1E9BMSUcC2AyGqoRmfNOZV52B74HkwDruoAnNwe9qUiVLVUKhnQf9XpN5Gzou62FNRkaTgRn8PvWU_ue3DSTuTrLnhf-wwnp-5ofSHc0grjWtL6El3sX8uBIQ/s1600/3065070709-1.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="vevent"><span class="description"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="vevent"><span class="description"><span style="font-size: large;">Join Green Drinks NYC on January 22, 2013 for our SPARK Speaker Series on Resilient Design in our fast changing "Post Sandy" world featuring Alex Wilson.</span></span></span></span></span><span class="vevent"><span class="description"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="vevent"><span class="description"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.eventbrite.com/event/5134679966#" target="_blank">Register here for the event. </a></span></span></span><br />
<span class="vevent"><span class="description">
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div>
<span class="vevent"><span class="description"></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="vevent"><span class="description"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Alex's SPARK will focus on the <a href="http://www.resilientdesign.org/" target="_blank" title="http://www.resilientdesign.org/">Resilient Design Institute</a> (RDI) <span style="font-size: large;">which he recently founded</span>. </span>RDI<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">
advances practical solutions that can be employed by communities,
businesses and individuals to adapt and thrive amid the accelerating
social, ecological and climatological change being experienced today.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="vevent"><span class="description"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><br /> <b>Featuring: Alex Wilson,</b> Founder, <a href="http://www.buildinggreen.com/" target="_blank" title="http://www.buildinggreen.com/">BuildingGreen</a>, Inc. and Executive Editor, Environmental Building News & GreenSpec. </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;">He has been at the forefront of green building and renewable energy for over three decades. </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;">Alex served on the board of directors of the U.S. Green Building Council</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"> for five years and was a founding member of the USGBC Research Committee.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alex was recently </span>invited to serve on the new <a href="http://blog.urbangreencouncil.org/2012/12/building-resiliency-task-force-kicks-off/" target="_blank">Building Resiliency Task Force</a> <span style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: Helvetica; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">which was </span>created at the request of <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">New York City </span>Council Speaker Christine Quinn and Mayor Bloomberg</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> and is </span>being facilitated by Urban Green for the City of New York. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;">
The Task Force is taking an in-depth look at how to better prepare our
buildings for future extreme weather events and infrastructure failures.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Hosted by Paul E McGinniss</b> of <a href="http://www.thenewyorkgreenadvocate.com/" target="_blank" title="http://www.thenewyorkgreenadvocate.com/">The New York Green Advocate</a> and featured contributor to <a href="http://www.ecowatch.org/" target="_blank" title="http://www.ecowatch.org/">EcoWatch</a>.</span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="vevent"><span class="vevent"><span class="description"><a href="http://www.eventbrite.com/event/5134679966#" target="_blank">Register here for the event. </a></span></span></span></span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<br />
<h2>
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"></span></h2>
</div>
Paul McGinnisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10597274577419581029noreply@blogger.com0